Marsanne-Roussanne ‘Les Contours de Mairlant’ François Villard 2021/22
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£19.95
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François Villard, St-Michel-sur-Rhône, Condrieu
“The wines have immediate flair and lots of life in them. The winemaking is modern, with new oak a constant feature. Villard has been restraining himself on the cellar techniques in the last two or three vintages, and the wines sit more comfortably in the glass as a result.”
John Livingstone-Learmonth, DrinkRhone.com 2017
François’ empire keeps growing, but he still keeps a tight rein on the operations, whilst being open to sharing his knowledge and passion for his region. The recent winery above St-Michel-sur-Rhône, that seemed so large a few years ago, is now bursting with vats and barrels, but the quality remains. The wines are often seen on the tables of most of the best restaurants around the world.
Marsanne-Roussanne ‘Les Contours de Mairlant’ Vin de France: 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne. Vineyards situated in the villages of Chavanay and St Pierre de Boeuf. 10-year-old vines. Soil: granitic. Fermentation in barrel at a low temperature with natural yeasts. Aged 100% in 3-5 year old barrels for 11 months, with no racking. Crozes Hermitage Blanc ‘Cour de Récré’ ; 100% Marsanne sourced from the Malfondieres lieu-dit. 15 year old vines planted on galets, sand & clay soils. Fermentation in barrique at low temperature. Batonnage once per week for 6 months. Natural yeasts. Matured in foudres for 8 months.
Playing on the delicacy of the vintage, the cuvée "Les Contours de Mairlant" displays beautifully fruity notes and carried by a feeling of mineral freshness and subtly toasted. The mouth is balanced on a combination of fat / tension of the most enticing. A vintage of pure pleasure.
Grape: 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne