- white
- 0 in stock
- Organic
- Biodynamic
- Low Sulfur
Grès (sandstone) is one of the terroir-designated cuvées made by the Riouspeyrous since 2009, and it is without a doubt one of the greatest wines of (Southern) France. Of the two single vineyards cuvées offered, it is always the most linear, the deepest with a certain restrained severity in its youth. Even though this plot of sandstones is south exposed and the ripeness is not a problem, the balance between alcohol and acidity is quite mind-blowing, and despite easily reaching 14+%, you never feel any heaviness or burn. This is the magical part of the Manseng, and why these wines are so great - for drinking, for pairing, for cellaring! And for the price it is a real steal! Hand-harvested, the grapes undertake a long pressing before being aged in larger formats including some Stockingers for a year. They are then kept a year in bottle before being released. A dominant of Petit over Gros without any Courbu in the vintage - all the Courbu go now in the Hexoguri cuvée - the wine in this vintage is showing the enticing notes of quince and mandarine, then followed right away by smoked salt, sorrel and frangipane flower. Don’t hesitate to decant to let it blossom. On the palate, the wine is more restrained, more savory, more spicy - think white pepper, saffron, dried thyme. It is a model of precision, building up its power, with a gentle attack to undwind a superb volume. Serve it not too cold in a Burgundy glass, or cellar it for 10 to 20 years. Pairings are numerous, but I could see some Ricotta agnolotti with a cheese rind and thyme broth, finished with mushroom or truffle, hazelnut crusted scallops with roasted celery, apple and chestnut or a 24-months Parmigiano. 60% Petit Manseng, 40% Gros Manseng. Pascaline Lepeltier.