Olivier Coste 'Rare' Carignan Blanc 2022
The Olivier Coste 'Rare' Carignan Blanc is made from 100% Carignan Blanc, a rare Mediterranean grape variety, of which there are only 250 hectares remaining, mostly in the Languedoc wine region of France. As Carignan Blanc does not feature as the main variety in any of the major appellation laws, this wine is simply labelled as Vin de France. This cuvée is produced from 70-year old vines that are cultivated in a two hectare plot by the sea in Castelnau-de-Guers. The cooling influence of the coastal breezes enhances the freshness of this naturally high acidity variety and balances the rich, concentrated flavours from this warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. At the winery the grapes were gently pressed and the must was fermented with selected yeasts at low temperatures, in stainless steel tanks to promote freshness and aromatic expression. The wine was then matured in stainless steel tanks without the influence of oak resulting in a wonderfully fresh and aromatic expression of this rare grape variety. Floral and fruity aromas lead to a crisp, fresh palate where the vibrant citrus fruit is layered with hints of almond and flinty minerality.
