Pi Vell Côtes Catalanes blanc IGP 2019

Marjorie and Stéphane Gallet met at the agricultural college in Perpignan, but initially went their separate ways. It was their shared passion for horses and later wine that brought them together again. At that time, Stéphane worked on a larger farm in Maury, while Marjorie gained her first practical experience in biodynamics in Calce near Gauby. In 2003 she borrowed money from friends and started her own business. The site was actually called Roc Blanc, named after a white quartz vein protruding from the black slate. However, Marjorie decided to rename it Roc des Anges. In the meantime, the winery is one of the top addresses in the region and comprises 30 hectares of vines on a mosaic of different soils.

The Pi Vell is named after an old pine tree on the Pic de Bugarach, the highest peak in the Corbières mountains. At an altitude of 260 metres, it offers an excellent view of the Pyrenees. The vineyards, planted in 1947, are 100% planted with Macabeu, which grows there on pure slate. Wind, rock and light condense in the texture and unique minerality of this wine.

Bright lemon yellow with luminous reflections.

On the nose, the 2019 Pi Vell shows the essence of Macabeu without getting lost in garrulity. Wild fennel pollen, a little aniseed and green mandarin are balanced by white pepper, mace, tarragon and poked oyster shells. To get to this information more quickly, it is advisable to plunge this Macabeu monument headfirst into the carafe and definitely not to serve it too cold.

Focused, puristic and clear on the nose, it quickly picks up speed. As a haptic experience, it relies on that special mouthfeel that marries sparse minerality with palate-tickling astringency and vibrating acidity for drinking pleasure of the first order. Salty with a linear flow, it is a muscular bush with a sinewy slender stature. Fragrant, floating and ethereal with enormous length and a cool finish.