ALBA
APPELLATION CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON
OLD VINES
VARIETY
Grenache Gris 80% Grenache Blanc 20%
VINTAGE
2016
AREA OF ORIGIN
Roussillon, South of France
PRODUCT BACKGROUND
Domaine Grier, owned by the Grier Family of South Africa, is situated in the Roussillon Region and produces a range of Terroir specific wines. In 2016 they discovered a block of old vine Grenache Gris / Grenache Blanc that exists in the classic “black slate” soil of the Fenouillèdes. These vines are subjected to extreme conditions but they survive, producing a low yield of outstanding fruit, that expresses the Terroir.
WINEMAKING
The optimally ripe grapes were hand harvested at the end of August. After pressing, the juice was settled overnight and racked to barrels where it fermented in oak. Low SO2 levels were used and MLF was allowed before 8 months of maturation in barrel completed the wine.
TASTING NOTES
This wine expresses the natural minerality of the terroir. Aromas of peach and apricot with a hint of orange are supported by subtle oak and vanilla. The wine is soft but full bodied with a structured mouth feel and great length. It should keep for up to 6 years.
ANALYSIS:
Alcohol: 14.3 vol %
Residual Sugar: 1.1g/l
Total Acid: 4.5g/l
pH: 3.41