Château La Verrerie, Hautes Collines Viognier
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CV605B23 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
In 1981, Jean-Louis Descours fell in love with Château La Verrerie while looking for a post-retirement project. He promptly purchased the 20-hectare estate and, with the help of his son Gérard, brought it back to life. They constructed a new winery and acquired more vineyards with the sole ambition of making great wine. Their first vintage was released in 1985. Today, Christopher Descours, Jean-Louis’ grandson and owner of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, runs the estate with talented winemaker Valentine Tardieu-Vitali, who recently ranked in Le Figaro’s Top 50 French winemakers.
Château La Verrerie comprises 48 hectares of vineyard Luberon, planted predominantly to Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre, with seven hectares dedicated to the white varieties: Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. The domaine’s vineyards are farmed organically, and the wines have been certified organic since the 2013 vintage.
Their Luberon Rosé is made using the saignée method and comprises a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Aged on its lees for three to six months to add texture to the palate, it is Provençal in style with a delicate, pale colour, crisp acidity and a scented finish.
Their ‘Hautes Collines’ Blanc comprises a blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Each variety is fermented separately, partially in casks, before being aged on lees for four months. The ‘Hautes Collines’ Rouge blends Syrah and Grenache to create a wine bursting with blood orange and sweet liquorice notes. This is a typical Luberon red, with beautiful balance and silky texture. The ‘Hautes Collines’ Viognier is defined by layers of fresh stone fruits, a delicate floral bouquet, a well-structured palate and a saline finish.
Vineyards
The estate has 56 hectares of vineyard which have been certified organic since the 2013 vintage. Since recognising the potential of the diverse clay and limestone soils, which lend both power and freshness to the finished wines, Valentine has implemented biodynamic practises and dedicated more vineyard parcels to white grapes. The name 'Hautes Collines' means 'high hills' and reflects the surrounding landscape of the estate.
Vintage
Following an exceptionally dry winter, the 2023 growing season transformed dramatically with the arrival of rain in mid-May, continuing through June alongside mild temperatures that increased fungal disease pressure. Biodynamic practices and meticulous vineyard management proved essential in navigating these challenging conditions successfully. June and July brought moderately warm, stable temperatures through early August, creating a balanced summer without climatic extremes. Harvest commenced on schedule August 25th, proceeding under favourable warm conditions until mid-September.
Vinification
The Viognier grapes were harvested at night to preserve the freshness and delicate aromas and flavours. Once at the winery, they were carefully sorted, first by entire bunch and then by berry after a full de-stemming. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures for 20 to 25 days, followed by a period of settling before bottling and release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Bright and clear pale yellow, with expressive notes of apricot and honeysuckle. The palate displays a vibrant freshness balanced by a core of expressive stone fruit culminating in an energetic, saline finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5 g/l
Residual Sugar
1.5 g/l
pH
3.55
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Château La Verrerie | Luberon Rosé | CV604 | Ro | Factsheet | |
| Hautes Collines Blanc | CV606 | W | Factsheet | ||
| Hautes Collines Rouge | CV607 | R | Factsheet |