2021
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Thézan-les-Béziers, 10km north of Béziers
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| Dry white - full bodied, fermented and aged 1 year in barrel |
| % Grenache Gris & Blanc, 20% Petit Manseng |
14.5%
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Fish, chicken, pork, paella, oriental dishes
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Even better
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Now, or to 2035 and beyond
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| The estate's flagship white, from 80 year-old Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc vines, with more recently planted Petit Manseng. A bright, medium gold colour, with zesty, herbaceous, spice and mineral notes - lime oil, quince, crushed nettles, thyme, mint, coriander and wet stone are just a few of the aromas and flavours, in a wine of genuine subtlety and complexity. In the mouth, it is tight and focused, with fabulous acidity and some tannic grip, courtesy of extended maceration on the grape skins, followed by a year's ageing in oak barrels. Grenache (either Gris or Blanc) rarely makes for overtly fruity wines, but the word "winey" always tends to spring to mind with the best - especially when aged in oak barrels. And this is a classic example, with herbaceous and mineral elements dominating over background notes of citrus, peach and apple, with a subtle oak influence. Moreover, the 20% Petit Manseng in the blend contributes even more complexity, adding a zesty, tangy lemon-lime and mineral quality to a wine which already ticks all of the boxes. Restrained power and elegance is the order of the day, essentially dry and tangy, but with a gently oily texture and a cool, long, minty/spicy finish. Although really good to drink now, this will undoubtedly gain even more complexity and weight with some bottle age. This really is an outstandingly brilliant white wine, from one of the Languedoc's very finest winemakers. A classic. |
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