La Montagne AOC 2016

Wine description for La Montagne AOC 2016 from Saint Jean Du Barroux

At the foot of the majestic Mont Ventoux, this Provençal giant that watches over the southern Rhône, Philippe Gimel creates a white wine that captures the essence of its landscape. La Montagne verkörpert das Zusammenspiel zwischen den kargen Kalksteinböden und den kühlen Winden, die von den Höhen des “Giganten der Provence” herabwehen. Mit einer dramatisch niedrigen Ertragsrate von nur 20 Hektolitern pro Hektar konzentriert Gimel die Ausdruckskraft der autochthonen Rebsorten Grenache Blanc, Clairette und Bourboulenc in einem Wein, der die Authentizität des Terroirs mit einer bemerkenswerten Präzision zum Ausdruck bringt.

Nose

The glass reveals a Radiant lemon yellow with bright reflections that mirror the clarity of the mountain air. The aromas unfold in concentric circles - initially a symphony of almond blossom and apple blossom, reminiscent of the first days of spring in Provence. This floral elegance is underpinned by a substantial core of freshly sliced and roasted almonds, which gives the wine a nutty depth. The garrigue, this typical herbal landscape of Provence, manifests itself in a complex melange of tarragon, sage, thyme and - most characteristically - dried lavender. The fruit recedes modestly into the background, appearing more as a subtle hint of quince and grapefruit, while dried fruits such as date, apricot and mango add a sun-ripened dimension. This wine breathes the duality of its origins: the Mediterranean warmth of the south and the Alpine freshness of the mountains.

Palate

On the palate La Montagne as a building of impressive architectural precision. The structure is compact and tightly meshed, a testament to Gimel's craftsmanship. The restrained but essential acidity structure gives the wine backbone and vibrancy - it is not superficial, but acts like an invisible scaffolding that supports the aromatic complexity. A fine tannin structure, unusual for a white wine but characteristic of these indigenous grape varieties, reinforces the impression of substance and longevity.

The flavours of the bouquet return on the palate, but here the dried fruit and Mediterranean herbs dominate the long, mineral finish. With every sip, the grandeur of this wine is revealed - a quiet grandeur that impresses not with power, but with precision and nuance. This wine is still at the beginning of its journey; the current maturity is only the first stage of a promising development that will extend over many years. Gimel's decision to rely entirely on stainless steel emphasises his philosophy of expressing the purity of the terroir unadulterated.

General information

Origin: Southern Rhône, France
Grape varieties: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol content: 14.0% Vol.
Residual sweetness: Dry
Expansion: Completely in stainless steel tank
Yield: 20 hl/ha

Philippe Gimel, a winemaker with an uncompromising dedication to terroir expression, compares his La Montagne with the best white wines in the south of France. The extreme altitude of its vineyards and the cool nights on Mont Ventoux give this wine a freshness and structure that sets it apart from the more opulent white wines of the southern Rhône and gives it remarkable ageing potential.

Food pairing suggestions

The complex structure and aromatic depth of this wine call for dishes that respect and complement its nuances:

Monkfish with smoked paprika coulis - The meaty texture of the monkfish harmonises with the structure of the wine, while the smoky paprika element underlines the Mediterranean herbal notes.

Steamed parsley root, glazed with balsamic vinegar, served with rocket salad - The earthy sweetness of the parsley root is echoed in the nutty tones of the wine, while the acidity of the balsamic emphasises the freshness of the wine.

Oven fennel with orange, olive and capers - A dish that reflects the Mediterranean soul of the wine, with the aniseed-like notes of the fennel merging with the herbal flavours of the wine and the olives and capers emphasising its salty minerality.