Vacqueyras blanc AOC 2023

A mature white wine from the southern Rhône, aromatic and sensuous, an intense golden yellow in the glass. The nose brings together fresh orange zest, blossom, pear, Cox's Orange Pippin and quince, underscored by nuts and almonds.

The grapes come from a single 0.3-hectare plot facing east, on blue and yellow clay. Domaine d'Ouréa farms 20 hectares in Vacqueyras and Gigondas at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. In 2009, Adrien Roustan took over part of the vineyard from his grandfather Raymond Bertrand and resolutely converted it to organic farming; since 2020 he has worked biodynamically, convinced that this gives the wines greater movement and vitality.

A blend of 80 percent Clairette and 20 percent Bourboulenc from vines planted in 2011. After hand-harvesting, the whole clusters were pressed directly and fermented spontaneously, with ageing lasting six months in concrete tank.

Elegant and creamy, with the same sensuousness the aroma promises. The fruit returns, joined by kumquat, a touch of honey, and piquant citrus zest and spice. Warm fruit of the South and fine minerality balance one another perfectly.

Every plot on the estate is worked by hand, from pruning through to harvest. Adrien Roustan forgoes oenological additives entirely, using only a homeopathic dose of sulphur. Ageing in concrete brings the texture of Clairette and Bourboulenc to the fore.