Louis Latour Duet d'Ardèche 2023 beautifully demonstrates how well Chardonnay and Viognier can complement each other in the Ardèche. This cuvée is special because both grapes are harvested and fermented simultaneously, ensuring that freshness, roundness, and aromatic tension remain balanced from the start. This co-harvesting and co-fermentation is precisely what makes this wine intellectually interesting.
The origin lies in the Ardèche, where Louis Latour has been deliberately working on white wines with Burgundian precision since the late 1970s.
- Location / Origin: This wine falls under IGP Ardèche, within the Coteaux de l'Ardèche. This places it in a Southern French appellation where Louis Latour has consciously developed its own white wine style outside of Burgundy.
- Soil: The soils consist of clay and limestone. This combination gives the blend enough roundness for Chardonnay and, at the same time, sufficient tension to beautifully support the freshness of Viognier.
- Vineyard: The average age of the vines is 15 years, and the yield is 45 hl/ha. This keeps the style lively and pure, without the wine becoming too broad or heavy.
- Vineyard & Harvest: The harvest is partly done by hand and partly mechanically. For this cuvée, it is particularly important that the last week of the Chardonnay harvest coincides with the first week of the Viognier harvest, so that both grapes can be processed simultaneously and the natural freshness of Viognier is preserved.
The cellar approach here is entirely focused on pure fruit and a smooth, balanced style.
- Fermentation: The 2 grapes are co-fermented in stainless steel tanks, with temperature control and full malolactic fermentation. This gives the wine a soft, round texture, while maintaining its freshness.
- Aging / Wood Maturation: After that, the wine ages for 18 months in stainless steel. This keeps the style pure and fruit-driven, without any influence from wood.
The strength of this wine lies precisely in the interplay between two grapes that complement each other well.
- Chardonnay – Ardèche: Chardonnay gives the blend its roundness, structure, and calm base. This gives the wine more breadth and a supple mouthfeel.
- Viognier – Ardèche: Viognier brings extra aromatic lift and helps the wine maintain its fresh, elegant character. Precisely because of the co-harvest, this tension remains beautifully balanced.
