Crous St Martin Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc “Hommage á l’an 1879”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is French history expressed in its wine, through the terroir.
- River stones “galets roulés” are components of the terroir, and a distinguishing feature of many of the vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. These stones are made of quartzite, a pure and hard silica. This layer of stones is sometimes several meters deep, and mixed with clay and are integral to the growth of vines and more importantly, the ripening of the fruit.
- The wine pays homage to the year 1879, which is the year St. Martin’s Cross (Crous) was installed by the monks to signal the road to Chateauneuf.
- Drink now or cellar for over 10 years. This wine has great aging potential!
Varietal Composition: 35% Grenache, 30% Roussanne, 35% Clairette
Elaboration: Hand harvested.
Tasting Notes: A light gold color for this white Châteauneuf du Pape, beautiful perfume of fresh fruits. Elegant and structured, it is greatly balanced and will seduce fine palates.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
An overnight blockbuster for us immediately upon arrival two vintages back, Crous St Martin is a collaboration between Rhone expert Harry Bosmans and Eric Bonnet of Domaine Bastide Saint Dominique. Harry is a household name amongst quality growers in the Rhone Valley and an invaluable resource thanks to his skill on both the production side and on the sales side. Eric’s family has been growing grapes in the north-east corner of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation for three generations now, with 120 acres of vines in their name. Eric’s father began to make wines at Bastide Saint Dominique in 1980, quickly establishing the property as an elite player in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Eric, now 39 years old, spent his early winemaking years up North in Burgundy, and that influence still shows in the delicate balance he is able to achieve between power and detail.