
Viognier, Domaine de Cazelles, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Languedoc
Back from the brink
Tastes like: Apricot. Herbal. Tropical. Stone fruit. Honeysuckle. Mandarin. Unctuous. Smoke. Spice. Fresh.
Viognier very nearly became extinct 60 years ago; unloved and shunned by French growers there were only 12 hectares of vines left at one point. Yikes!
Thankfully it’s now a grape which continues to win hearts and minds and this tasty example from Languedoc goes to show why more and more growers are now proud to plant it.
Winemaker Edouard Rainaut has sustainability and low intervention at the heart of his philosophy, letting the grapes and terroir do the talking.
With his Viognier he wants to get the best concentration and intense flavours and aromas from the grapes and so this parcel is grown on slopes on shallow clay and limestone soil to keep the vines’ vigour in check.
He also picks at night to retain the fruits exotic characters and to reduce oxidation and the need for loads of SO2.
France - 2019 - 14% - 75cl
Sustainable - Low Intervention