Community Tasting Note

forceberry wrote:

Friday, November 29, 2013 - 100% Clairette Blanche according to Texier himself. Vinified in concrete vats without sulfites, aged for 7 months in oak.

Quite deep yellow color, surprisingly intense. A bit reticent yet highly expressive nose with aromas of peach-driven overripe stone fruits with very captivating undertones of almost cherry-ish red fruit (reminding me of Piedmontese reds), some petrol hints and a touch of earth. The flavors follow the characterful nose with surprisingly red-toned cherry fruit, succulent yellow fruits, some almonds and a hint of marzipan with a slightly bitter backbeat of chalky minerality and exotic spice. The palate really has highs and lows like a rollercoaster, starting of really bright and almost tart fruit flavors, but finishes with a rich, red-toned fruit. Rich and full-bodied mouthfeel, but surprisingly refreshing and high in acidity for a Clairette. Quite refreshing finish with bright minerality, refreshing apple notes, some touch of herbal and grapefruit bitterness and a faint hint of red-toned cherry. Towards the end of the aftertaste emerges nuances of sweet oak spice and some alcohol warmth.

A confusing experience: I really had to double-check that I'm not actually drinking red but white wine because of that very noticeable, red wine-like dark fruit richness reminding me of cherry. And this is not a passing sensation, but one that repeats with every sniff and sip. Furthermore, this wine shows tremendous structure, freshness and balance as well, making this dangerously drinkable, fruit-forward wine with great character! Also a unique effort in the sense that this is a varietal wine from a region dominated by blended wines. A wine obviously for early drinking, not for cellaring. Great stuff and shows wonderful value at 15,20€.

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