2023 | Vila Voltaire Puech Auriol Blanc | Coteaux d’Enserune

The 2023 Puech Auriol Blanc is a dynamic blend of the estates 20-year-old vine Chardonnay, arguably Frances most important whitevariety, and the unique and very fresh southern French grape Carignan Blanc (from 70-year-old vines). The sandy limestone soils inthese vineyards are full of ancient oyster fossils, which only add to the wines sea influence from the Mediterranean just to the south.The grapes are gently pressed once in the cellar, exposed to oxygen without the use of sulfur, and then must-browning before naturalfermentation. The grapes co-ferment for about one month with nothing done to them until the wine is moved with its fine lees to bothacacia barrels and new tanks. At this point, there is weekly batonnage for several months before a small does of sulfites, a light filtration,and bottling. The result is brilliant, showcasing beautiful floral components, lemon zest, and salty sea air. The texture in the mouth isvery fresh yet has a wonderful weight full of citrus, green pears, and salty minerality, with a lovely clean finish.