946, Côtes de Provence-Sainte-Victoire – 2015
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Introduction
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Perched at the top of Sainte-Victoire’s western peak, at an altitude of 946 meters (3,104 feet), the Croix de Provence looks over the Provençal vineyards. It was built in 1875 by local priests, after Provence was spared the plague. In its cuvée 946, Château Gassier captures the elegance and most beautiful expression of the Saint-Victoire terroir.
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Vineyard Profile
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Château Gassier is situated 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Aix en Provence, at the foot of Mount Sainte-Victoire. Its 40 hectares (98.84 acres) benefit from an ideal location in the heart of the Arc Valley, protected by Sainte-Victoire in the north, the Regagnas hills in the south and the Aurélien mountains to the east. The vineyards are at 330 meters (1,082 feet) with a southern exposure.
- Appellation: Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire was acknowledged as an appellation in its own right in 2005. The vineyard area of Sainte-Victoire is viewed as one of the most unspoiled in France. It has been classified as a natural reserve ”Grand Site de France.”
- Cultivation: 100% organic; will be officially certified organic with the 2016 vintage
- Vine Age: Grenache planted in 1982; Syrah in 2002; Rolle (Vermentino) in 1998
- Soil: Clay and limestone pebbles and sand caused by erosion of Mount Sainte-Victoire
- Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)
- Training: Cordon de Royat (double and single)
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): September 3-18 in fine weather
- Yields: 45 hl/ha (3.33 tons/acre)
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Vinification
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Pressing: Cold direct pressing, skin contact during filling of the press
- Fermentation: The creation of 946 Rosé requires precise winemaking based upon the fine and delicate assembly of three basic components: To begin, we select a wine from the heavier parts of the juice (lees) previously stored at a low temperature of 4 C (39 F) and then filtered. This base gives the wine its roundness in the mouth. The next derives from the alcoholic fermentation in half muid (500-liter/132-gallon barrels) of new Austrian wood (Stockinger) which gives complexity to the wine. The final component comes with cool fermentation between 14 C (57.2 F) and 16 C (60.8 F) in concrete tank to reveal the delicate aromas.
- Filtration: Tangential filtration
- Fining: Bentonite fining
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Grenache, Syrah, Rolle (Vermentino)
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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A pale pink with apricot and salmon hints. The nose boasts intense notes of white flowers, peaches and exotic fruits (mango, fresh coconut and papaya). Upon aeration, vanilla and warming spices are more present, finishing with roasted aromas. On the palate, the 946 has good length. The tropical notes reappear (papaya, guava, mango), as do citrus and spices, combining with silky, elegant tannins for a luxuriant complexity.
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Images
Reviews
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946, Côtes de Provence-Sainte-Victoire – 2015 – 92 points – Vinous
“Pale, limpid pink. Intense melon, white peach, strawberry and honeysuckle aromas are enlivened by a suggestion of chalky minerals. Juicy and concentrated but vibrant as well, offering palate-staining pit fruit and red berry flavors …”
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946, Côtes de Provence-Sainte-Victoire – 2015 – 92 points – The Wine Advocate
“Easily one of the finest Provencal Rosés I've ever tasted … fabulously pure, fresh and crisp notes of white flowers, white peach, salty minerality and hints of wild strawberries. The minerality and saline-like quality is sensational …”
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946, Côtes de Provence-Sainte-Victoire – 2015 – 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Named after the wayside cross that stands at 946 metres (3100 feet) above sea level on the summit of Mont Sainte-Victoire … a selection of the best parcels … rich and packed with red fruits as well as a light tannic structure…”
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946, Côtes de Provence-Sainte-Victoire – 2015 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
"Distinctive, with a creamy edge that lets the alluring mango, peach and white raspberry notes play out languidly before a twinge of talc tightens up the finish. Will have fans for sure."