Domaine de la Pertuisane The Guardian Grenache Gris 2013
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A terrific white that’s made from 60+-year-old Grenache Gris vines, the 2013 Cotes Catalanes The Guardian Blanc didn’t go through malo and was aged all in 4+-year-old barrels. It’s a classic Grenache Gris that has lots of minerality, stone fruits, licorice and white flower in its medium-bodied, textured and layered personality. It has both richness and freshness, and will drink nicely for 3-4 years at a minimum.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.