Rhône: New Releases

This equal split of Marsanne and Roussanne comes from the pebbly alluvial soils which sit on top of clay and limestone on the lower terraces of the appellation. The vines are fairly old now, between 40 and 60 years, and produce a brilliant concentration with plenty of flavour. It is salty and peachy, with a long, balanced finish.

Domaine de Roure was bought by the Jaboulet family in 1966. It is just north of Tain l’Hermitage, and the small valley here is also home to much wildlife. In fact, the Frey family established a biodiversity refuge, so fantastic is the ecological habitat. This white is made exclusively from Marsanne grapes grown on the white loess soils found here. The average vine age spans 60 to 100 years, and the 2019 shows plenty of the saline concentration you would expect, with some charming apricot and almond notes, and bright minerality underneath.

This classic Hermitage blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne comes from vinews grown on a particularly steep part of the hillside. It is spiced and full-bodied. Gentle vinification in concrete eggs and oak barrels (only a small proportion new) coax out the fruit.