This white Châteauneuf du Pape is made from 90 percent Roussanne grapes, sourced from vines at least 60 years old, supplemented with 10 percent Clairette. The vineyard is primarily limestone, and the climate is truly unique, allowing for a small amount of this top-quality white wine. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of between 40 and 100 meters, facing south and southwest. This location allows the grapes to ripen optimally, thanks to the cool wind that offsets the heat of the sun.
The harvest begins early, before September 15th, to preserve as much freshness as possible in the wine. The grapes are hand-picked and then gently pressed. The grapes are vinified separately. The Rousanne then undergoes fermentation in 225-liter oak barrels, laying the foundation for this top-quality wine. The Clairette grape is added later, and the wine then matures further in other oak barrels in the cellars of Château de La Gardine. This gives the wine complexity and a rounder flavor.
The result of this "Marie Loncie" is truly a beauty, with aromas of dried fruit, gingerbread, honey, white flowers, and a touch of vanilla and incense. The flavor is complex and very powerful, with plenty of impressions, but don't drink it too cold, as that's a real shame. The long and expressive finish completes the whole experience.
