We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
About This Wine
Biodynamic. The limestone soils of Cairanne make it an outstanding appellation for white wines, while the elevation and Oratoire’s meticulously managed old vines produce average yields of just 25 hl/ha. In this wine, the domaine’s low-input, precise winemaking plays its part. However, the intense energy and vibrant mineral freshness can only be attributed to the vineyards and the work within them. The 2022 is a blend of 30% Clairette (planted in 1935), Grenache Blanc and Gris (also from the 1930s) and co-planted Roussanne and Marsanne from a beautiful old plot surrounded by pine trees. The fruit is fermented without additions and raised in the domaine’s old concrete tanks.
This is a cracking, textural white Rhône. You get the intensity and concentration from the low yields alongside balancing freshness. The satin-textured palate offers layers of fleshy orchard fruits, golden lees, and almond notes with a chalky, pithy freshness cutting through the flesh. Closing with a fresh and floral finish, it’s another engaging white Rhône packed full of complexity and interest. Simply decant and add roast chicken.
Type | White Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Roussanne Grenache Blanc Clairette |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone |
Brand | Domain de l'Oratoire St-Martin |
Vintage | 2022 |
Wines of Rhone Valley
The Rhone wine region is situation in the south of France in the Rhone Valley. The region is split into north and south with distinctively different winemaking styles. In the north, the main grape used is Syrah and is sometimes blended with white varietals. In the south however, reds are a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. You may be familiar with this sort of blend; in Australia it is labelled GSM.
Wines are produced under various Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations. The most prestigious of which is Chateauneuf-du-Pape. You may also have heard of other AOC names such as Gigondas, Hermitage, Lirac, St Joseph. Wines coming from these and other AOCs are all on the higher end of the market.
On the value end we have wines produced in Cotes-du-Rhone AOC. Cotes-du-Rhone often refers to wines made in the Rhone Valley that do not fall under any other AOC, often from the flatter areas around Southern Rhone. However, it also does include the fringes of well-respected northern appellations as well. In terms of volume, a majority of Rhone wine falls under the Cotes-du-Rhone AOC and it offers some of the best value in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds.
Full-bodied and flavourful white wine blends are also made in the region. These are typically a combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.