Our wines
Grenache Gris White
Vin de Pays de l’Hérault
2022
an ancient and unjustly forgotten variety
a terroir of blue and ochre schist
divinely simple vinification
that special little extra character from very old vines
Location
Nestling in the heart of the Faugères appellation, our vineyards cover just over 23 hectares on the foothills of the Cévennes overlooking the village of Laurens. The vines, planted at an ideal altitude of 180 metres, are between 30 and 60 years old and naturally produce low yields.
Grape variety
100% Grenache Gris : the vines are over 50 years old
Soil
The soil is dominated by the sandstone schist of Laurens-Cabrières, like the neighbouring areas of the Faugères hills. This type of soil presents a fragile structure which is slightly acidic and can be difficult for the vines, but when treated with adapted cultivation methods, provides well balanced vines.
The climate in 2022
An early vintage, marked by heatwave and drought.
After a dry autumn and mild winter, spring was warm with some welcome rain. It was a long, hot summer, right up to the storms of 16 August. It was already too late for the Syrah and Carignan (small berries and little juice), but the Grenache and Mourvèdre benefited from the rain to reach good ripeness.
Pruning and yield
Double Cordon de Royat pruning for low yields of 30 hl/ha.
Vinification
Hand harvested with parcel selection for the ripest grapes on 7th and 8th September.
Immediate pressing and controlled temperatures.
Vinification in steel tanks for part of the harvest, the remainder was vinified in new oak barrels.
We produced 5,100 bottles of this wine.
Tasting notes
Grenache gris is a paradoxical grape variety because, when vinified as a white wine, it has a golden hue with green highlights. The result is a beautiful bright colour in the glass. The nose is rich and concentrated, with fresh notes of pear, yuzu, citron and verbena blossom. Rich on the palate with lively aromas enhanced by the opulent body.
Serving suggestions for food matching
Serve at 10 – 12°C paired with oysters from Marennes, grilled snapper and tomato coulis, skate wings with capers or a fresh goats’ cheese from the Cévennes.
About the Grenache Gris grape variety
Quite a revelation with regards to white wine grapes from the Mediterranean. This wine offers body, freshness and elegance. Excepting the actual colour of the berries, the grape itself offers very similar characteristics to that of its big brother, the Grenache noir. However, the berries are much more fragile and need constant attention in the vineyard to ensure that they are well aired in order to reach optimal maturity.
