73% Viognier 27% Marsanne
Also recently launched, this is "THE" white wine in the "Les Jamelles Special Reserve" collection. The challenge Catherine Delaunay set herself in making this wine was to produce a complex cuvée, that is fermented and aged in oak barrels, yet retains its freshness, finesse and elegance.
The grapes are harvested by hand. They are pressed at a low pressure in pneumatic presses. The two varieties are vinified and aged separately. After pressing, the juices are lightly settled at a low temperature and begin the fermentation period in temperature-controlled vats (regulated at 18 °C). The Marsanne grapes are transferred to one- or two-year-old barrels, where they are allowed to age tranquilly. The Viognier grapes are aged in new or one-year-old oak barrels. The wines are aged on their lees (to retain their freshness) and are regularly stirred. Then, at the beginning of the summer, they are racked, blended and fined. They remain in vats until the early days of September when they are bottled without being filtered.






- Appearance: Brilliant gold colour, with generous legs that mount up the sides of the glass. - Nose: The first impression is of great aromatic intensity with notes of pineapple, fresh bananas, passion fruit and dried apricots together with hints of marrons glacés from the oak ageing (very fresh woody notes). - Taste: Very full attack, followed by a lovely freshness in mid-palate. Nice smooth finish with subtle notes of vanilla and pears in syrup. This is an extremely delicate, elegant wine, without any heaviness.
The Viognier grapes come from vines that are at least 15 years old and the Marsanne grapes from vines that are over 50 years old. The vines are planted on exceptional terroirs, some of which are situated on the edge of the Corbières massif, to the east of Carcassonne, and some of which are found on slopes to the west of Béziers. All the Marsanne grapes come from a terroir situated to the east of Carcassonne. The soils are thin but deep, providing the roots with a sparse but regular supply of water - perfect for allowing the white grapes to ripen at a gentle pace. Yields are situated at around 40 hectolitres per hectare.
-"Premium Select 2008" competition at Powein : Gold Medal - Guide Hachette des Vins 2006 : 2 stars - Weinwirtschaft 2005 - Top 100 (Germany) : 15 pt - Weinwelt (Germany) : 2 stars - Challenge international du vin 2005 : Silver Medal - Decanter 2005 : Bronze Medal - TOP 100 Vins de Pays de France 2005 : Top 100 - International Wine and Spirit Competition : Bronze Medal - Expovina Award (switzerland) : 87 pt - Silver Medal
This wine can be laid down for 2 to 3 years. It should be served well chilled at about 6°C. It makes a perfect apéritif and also goes well with seafood dishes "à l'américaine," foie gras, fish with a cream sauce or fresh goat's cheese