Corbières, in the Languedoc, is one of southern France’s largest appellations. Its distinctive whites, made from Macabeu, are beginning to be rediscovered and championed beyond the appellation itself. Some producers are even choosing to bottle them as Vin de France, as here, allowing greater freedom of expression. This cuvée comes from a terroir in the commune of Douzens, close to the foothills of the Alaric massif. The soils are predominantly limestone and clay-silt, with a generous proportion of stones derived from the erosion of the massif. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness. Following partial destalking, they undergo a gentle period of skin contact to enhance texture and aromatic complexity. Fermentation begins with native yeasts, without strict temperature control. The wine is then aged on lees for around ten months, without excessive stirring or filtration before bottling.
The wine displays a bright golden-yellow hue with silvery glints. The elegant, expressive nose reveals aromas of ripe pear, preserved lemon zest and white flowers, underpinned by a subtle chalky note. The first sip is clean and fresh, carried by a silky, almost saline texture.