Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Domaine Chante Cigale

The domaine of Chante Cigale is located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir with the typical stony soil of “galets roulés” (rolled pebbles). A large part of the vineyard is situated on the famous plateau de Cabrières, close to Château Montredon. Grapes for the white are from a 5 hectare vineyard in Travaillon. The soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk covered with a layer of the pebbles, which naturally keeps yields low. The 40 years old vines are harvest by hand, with selective sorting in the winery. Fermentation is at low temperature (just 66°F) for 21 days in stainless-steel vats, followed by lees aging for up to 6 months. There is no malolactic fermentation to maintain good acidity, assisted by early bottling to keep as much freshness and aromas as possible.

This is a stylish white, blending approximately 20% of each variety – Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Clairette. It has inviting warm, spicy aromas with stone fruit character. Full-bodied and full-flavoured, the palate flavours suggest poached pears and white peaches rounded off by a long, lifted finish.