Hervé Souhaut, Blanc 2020

Usually I see the word Viognier and run a mile... usually. There's a balance of Roussanne here, allied with some particularly old vine material and deft hand the cellar. Here we go, restraint and elegance. Yes, there is some of that exuberant, almost tropical aromatic stuff going on, yet the palate is tight and mineral laden. If you like new world chardy, you could be on here.

Producer: Herve Souhaut / Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet

Region/Country: Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhone, France

Grape/s: Viognier, Roussanne 

Production Method: Practicing organic farming. Hand harvested grapes, Whole bunch maceration at low temperatures prior to crushing and fermentation in wooden tanks. Matured on fine lees for 8 months in older oak cask. No filtration and minimal SO2.

Style: Very textured and aromatic. Moderate acidity backing up complex flavours of orchard fruits, tropical fruits and honeyed florals.