Producer | Domaine Fondreche |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone Valley |
Subregion | Ventoux |
Varietal | Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Rolle (Vermentino) |
Vintage | 2023 |
Sku | 54666 |
Size | 750ml |
The vineyards at Domaine de Fondrèche in the southern Rhône Valley lie between 250 and 400 meters above sea level in the foothills of the imposing Mont Ventoux (compare to famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape maxing out at 120m at its absolute apex). Why is this important? During the summer, the diurnal shift fluctuates from as high as 37°C (98°F) in daylight to 17°C (62°F) at night; each evening cool air spills from the peak of Mont Ventoux into the plateau below, and each morning warm air pushes back it back up as if the mountain itself is breathing into the valley below. The grapes (in the case of the white, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, and Rolle or Vermentino), reach full ripeness thanks to that daytime heat, but retain maximum freshness thanks to the evening chill. Fully organic and biodynamic, proprietor Sébastien Vincenti’s winemaking is truly a marvel to behold as well. His house white presents aromas of lemon, honey, and white tea in the nose and hits the palate with juicy pear and nectarine flavors with a hint of crystallized ginger. Pair this with creamed spinach, sweet potatoes, rich gravies, and savory ham.