Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Chardonnay 2020 (France)

Description

Nectarine, Oak, Pastry

"This a splendidly appealing modern expression, showing summer peach, grapefruit, subtle vanilla, cashew and popcorn notes on the nose, leading to a beautifully rounded palate that’s ripe and creamy. Well balanced and flavoursome with elegance as well as generosity. At its best: now to 2025" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Nov 2021

"A simple tasty example of Chardonnay with clean, fresh aromas and flavours of apple and citrus, some white fleshed stone fruits and a fine earthy mineral quality. Satin texture with a youthful acid line, calm and balanced use of oak and an overall fresh varietal appeal. Balanced and ready for drinking from 2021 through end of summer 2024" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Nov 2021

"From the Languedoc in southern France. Silken-textured chardonnay with ripe rockmelon, tree fruit and citrus flavours together with buttered toast, hazelnut and ginger characters. An attractive, easy-drinking chardonnay that offers value at this price" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Oct 2021

Pale, bright gold in colour with enticing aromas of vanilla, lime blossom, lemon curd and pear. The palate is harmonious, with a creamy mouthfeel. This gorgeous Chardonnay ends with a clean, bracing acidity, carrying the flavours to a lingering finish.

Produced by the highly acclaimed LGI wines, awarded Best French Still Wine Producer at Berliner Wein Trophy in 2017, 2018 and 2019! Originally the brainchild of Alain Grignon, who had a vision of making affordable, classic French wines designed specifically for the international market. Now under the supervision of oenologist Xavier Roger.

The Combe Rocher (literally ‘rocky valley’) range is one of pure authenticity crafted from carefully selected terroirs, situated on high altitude slopes, with rocky soils. The terroir effect is very noticeable in this region due to the great variety of winegrowing microclimates that create an expression of the grape varieties that is unique. This specific Chardonnay is sourced from lowland vineyards from the Pays d’Oc, planted on calcareous marls. These well-drained soils, located close to the Canal du Midi, are protecting the vines from drought as the Chardonnay needs enough watering to produce balanced and healthy grapes with great aromatic intensity.The grapes are harvested early in the season, in the fresh morning. The pressing is very gentle, in a pneumatic press preserving quality. 30% of the wine ferments under the influence of French oak. The balance is fermented at cooler temperatures in vat without malolactic influence to preserve the freshness of the wine. The wine is aged 6 months on its fine lees with regular stirring to add richness of texture and nutty complexity.

Food Pairing: Enjoy this wine lightly chilled, with chicken in lemon butter Niçoise salad, Quiche Lorraine, creamy cheeses, pork and rich seafood dishes.