Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2016
Vidal-Fleury
Founded in 1781, Vidal-Fleury not only is the Rhône’s oldest continuing grower/négociant firm, but it also secured an international following very quickly. Thomas Jefferson’s visit in 1787 was its first contact with the United States; he called the wines “ justly celebrated”.
The elaboration of Vidal-Fleury’s wines consists of four separate operations – the vineyard, winemaking, ageing and bottling. The superb origins of the grapes and the patience taken in maturing are what make the quality of Vidal-Fleury wines according to Winemaker Antoine Dupre.
Terroir: This wine comes from vineyards located to the south of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, on the Chassis terroirs. The grapes are cultivated in soils of pebbles and rolled stones, which are highly filtering. The climate is more influenced by the Mediterranean, with the Mistral wind present and moderately mild temperatures.
Vinification: Slow and gentle direct pressing to preserve the finesse of the juice aromas. Alcoholic fermentation at low temperature. Complete malolactic fermentation. Aging lasts about a year with 15% of the cuvée aged on lees in wood (oak barrels and demi-muids) and 85% in stainless steel tanks
Additional Information
Pale yellow in color with a nose of flowers, melon and pear. A fresh palate with medium body, driven by peach, honey and a touch of oak.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Crozes-Hermitage
- Winemaker: Guy Sarton du Jonchay
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Alluvium, stone, sand
- Yield: 45 hl/ha
- Alcohol: >13%
- Avg Production: 4500 cases
- Sizes Available: 750ml
- Pack Size: 12/750ml
- Varietals: 95% Marsanne, 5% Roussanne
Recent Press
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Score: 88 Points
Wine Spectator Online Author: James Molesworth
Date: Monday, January 22, 2018"Direct, with green almond, green apple and star fruit notes lined with a touch of chamomile. Breezy finish. Drink now." -
Score: 87 Points
The Wine Advocate Author: Joe Czerwinski
Date: Sunday, October 1, 2017"The Vidal Fleury 2016 Crozes Hermitage Blanc includes 5% Roussanne, which you might convince yourself you can perceive as a slightly honeyed nuance. Yet this medium to full-bodied white remains resolutely Marsanne in overall style, a largely neutral white with mere hints of almond, melon, pear and marshmallow that's more about weight and texture than flavor per se. Pair it with fish and poultry over the next couple of years."
