Chêne Bleu Aliot 2017 (France)

Description

Butter, Dry, Oak

"Checking in as 55% Roussanne, 38% Grenache Blanc, and the rest Clairette and Rolle, the 2017 Vaucluse Aliot Blanc sports a still vibrant gold hue as well as an awesome nose of buttered pineapple, white flowers, brioche, and marzipan. This carries to a medium-bodied white with beautiful overall balance, a rich, layered mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and a gorgeous finish. This stunningly good white will stand up to the best from the Rhône. I’d say it’s fully mature now, but guessing the drinking window on Rhone whites is fraught with peril" Jeb Dunnuck

"When I visited in June, the 2017 IGP Vaucluse Aliot was scheduled to be bottled in July. The more austere 2013 is the current release. Tasted as a finished blend of 70% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc and bits of Clairette, Marsanne and Vermentino, this rich, barrel-fermented white looks to be a beauty. Toasted grain accents caramelized pineapple notes, while the full-bodied palate offers a texture like custard, yet all that richness is balanced by bright, lemon-lime acids on the long finish" Robert Parket's Wine Advocate

An attractive golden yellow, bright and clear with lime tints. Rich and complex aromas with notes of toasted vanilla, rich ripe white fruits and a touch of hazelnut and brioche. Lovely rich and fresh primary flavours linger, supported by a natural acidity which extends the finish. The palate mirrors the nose with buttery notes, white fruits and a saline minerality. Long finish. Cellar 5-6 years.

Named for Aliot de Montvin, an artisan glassblower of noble birth who named the winery’s estate La Verriere – The Glassblowing Workshop – in 1427.

70% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, the remainder Clairette, Marsanne and Rolle (Vermentino).