A single foudre of pure Chenin Blanc from chalky white limestone soils, fermented without sulphites for a wonderfully pure, mineral expression of this variety. Really a classic and very tiny production mark this out as something of a collector’s item. Goes straight in towards the very top of our whites’ selection.
PRODUCER: | Maison Ventenac |
REGION: | South West Languedoc, France |
APPELLATION: | Vin de France |
VINTAGE: | 2017 |
BLEND: | 100% Chenin Blanc |
USE OF OAK: | 2,000L Foudres |
AGING: | 6 months on Oak |
AGE OF VINES | 25 years average |
ORGANIC: | TerraVitis |
PRODUCTION: | 2,500 bottles |
CHARACTERISTICS
Bright yellow in the glass, the nose is very pure and delicate, with green pear, a touch of citrus and a smoky minerality a bit like earl grey tea. In the mouth it has some body and power, but leans more towards an elegant style with strong minerality, clean white fruits notes and only minimal impact from the oak. The acidity gives excellent length and a dry finish. A precise, intellectual wine that can be appreciated on its own, but would match shellfish very well. Will age well.
THE WINERY
Mas Ventenac was established in 1973 by the father-in-law of the current proprietor in the farthest south-west corner of the Languedoc, west of Carcassonne. It didn’t even have its own Appellation yet. However, the Limestone slopes of the Montagne Noire provided amazing terroir and the rain-shadow of the mountains provided a very unusual microclimate where both the Atlantic grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon) thrived alongside the Mediterranean varieties of Grenache and Syrah. When the AOC of Cabardes was created in 1999, it become the only region in France that insisted on a blend of these varieties in its wine. Alain Maurel went on to become one of the benchmark producers in the region, with his top wine (Mas Ventenac) receiving high critical acclaim. Olivier Ramé took over in 2010 and added a more modern approach to the winery, moving to Organic certification and introducing very exciting mico-cuvées, which is what attracted us. With no sulfates and minimal intervention, these newer wines really excite us and show off the finesse of their winemaking skills, as well as the precision of these terroir-driven wines. We have a feeling there is a global superstar in the making here....