Viognier, IGP Vaucluse – 2016
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Vineyard Profile
- Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic practices
- Composition: 100% Viognier
- Vine Age: 14 years
- Soil: Clay and limestone, very stony
- Elevation: 550 meters (1,804 feet)
- Exposure: North-facing slope
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Vintage Report
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It was a wet start to the year, delaying bud break by about 10 days (and flowering by about the same); then a very arid summer allowed the grapes to catch up with their usual cycle and veraison happened on schedule. The weather was cool and sunny for the first two weeks of harvest, during which the Viognier was picked.
- Harvest Date(s): Started 28th September, a week later than usual
- Yields: 35 hl/ha
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Cold fermentation (16 C/61 F) in Demi-muids (600-liter or 159-gallon barrels); short, cold maceration on skins for just 1 1/2 hours, then direct to press
- Aging: 5 years
- Barrel Aging: 9 months in large oak barrels; one-third new French oak, one-third 1-year-old, one-third 2-years-old, from various French coopers, 600-liter barrels with light toast
- Bottle Aging: 7 months in demi-muids
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Technical Information
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Golden, bright and clear, with glimmers of green.
Nose: Robust with notes of pear in syrup. Hints of fresh apricot, sweet almond and brioche.
Palate: Suave and fresh. Notes of peach and verbena.
Finish: Long and crisp
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect for aperitifs. Pairs excellently with poultry, fried foie gras, white fish with creme, or bleu cheese. Serve slightly chilled at 14˚ C/57˚ F.
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Images
Reviews
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Chêne Bleu Viognier, IGP Vaucluse – 2016 – Jancis Robinson – 17 Points
Immediately creamy nose that is in harmony with the subtle but correct varietal character of Viognier. There's peach, apricot, even a touch of orange and spice and that creaminess to the aroma, and then the oak and the rich lees texture shows more on the palate. This is very good, the best vintage I have tasted of this wine. It is rich and rounded but fresh too, with the site showing as much as the variety. A long finish that is both mealy/savoury and fragrant. Very good. Not sure how this will age but I don't think there is any hurry to drink it.
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Chêne Bleu Viognier, IGP Vaucluse – 2016 – Jeb Dunnuck – 91 Points
The 2016 IGP Vaucluse Viognier is cut from the same cloth and has slightly more acidity and freshness. Tangerine, citrus, and lots of mineral notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, vibrant white that has a classic Viognier character.