« I love this varietal because it creates unique wines with elegant aromas. However, Viognier is very reactive to both its terroir and the choices of its winemaker. The result is that under the same varietal label there is a huge disparity of expression.
For this Viognier I want to bring out the varietal’s aromatic purity with some barrel fermentation and aging on lees. The cool, lime terroir of the Piliers gives this wine its mineral freshness that is unusual in a southern French wine.
Rich, aromatic and complex, without any heaviness, this Viognier will surprise you!»
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Les Piliers Viognier 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc
Terroir: Clay and lime
Varietals : 100% Viognier
Vinification :
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Yield limitation through spring pruning and “green harvest”.
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Manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
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Manual harvest at peak maturity with sorting.
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Skin contact for 12 hours at cold temperature after total destemming.
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Partial « débourbage » and fermentation in new French oak barrels for 50% of the volume.
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For the remaining 50%, fermentation in stainless steel vats at 14°C and aging on lees with “batonnage” through Christmas.
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Blending, fining, filtration and a single bottling run in March.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Yellow with golden highlights.
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Nose: Intense apricot and tangerine with a hint of vanilla.
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Taste: Voluptuous, candied fruits, apricot, peach and citrus. The fruity finish is long and lush.
