Boutinot ‘La Fleur Solitaire’, Côtes du Rhône Blanc
Rhone Valley - France - 2020
13% ABV
Vegan & Vegetarian
Tasting notes
Proper white Côtes du Rhône; fresh, medium-bodied, vinous. The nose is pretty and delicate, with a waft of fennel tops and hints of hedgerow flowers. The flavours are nuanced and refined rather than overt. Careful use of oak adds texture and structure without masking the freshness of this very drinkable white.
Food match
A lovely apéritif, or with light starters and grilled fish.
Production
Following an experiment with a micro cuvée crafted from seven barrels back in 2009, we now source grapes from selected vineyards in the southern Rhône. Each parcel is picked separately in the cooler early daylight hours for gentle pressing that same morning, and each is fermented at a low temperature. To a base of Grenache Blanc, we blend Viognier along with co-fermented pairs of Roussanne/Marsanne and Bourboulenc/Clairette (for freshness). Over the years we have increased the proportion vinified in stainless steel, with approximately a quarter of the wine now vinified and matured for 6 months in 3rd fill 300l French oak barrels.