Chateau Simone
Provence, France

$69.99 on 3+
$74.99 reg

The white Palette from Chateau Simone is gorgeously complex and dense, but elegant and not weighty despite the aroma and flavor density which only grows with time in the bottle. In their youth, they offer a wonderfully vibrant golden color with orchard fruits, fragrant white florals, and a fine, lightly woody (pine) touch. The blanc boasts exceptional aging potential, turning to a deeper golden hue as it matures, progressively acquiring a nose and palate that is both potent and yet still refined and delicate.

The white from Simone is a truly unique creation based primarily on Clairette that is supplemented with Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and a touch of Muscat Blanc. The white, brisk in its youth, animated by a bouquet of pine-resin, evolves slowly into a sensual masterpiece with its lingering finish built on a mass of minerality. This is a remarkably age-worthy wine with the potential to give ever-more pleasure over a span two decades or more.

Vineyard
Mainly on north-facing slopes, limestone scree soil. Vine age averages 50+ years old (some plots are more than a hundred years old).

Varieties
Clairette 80%, grenache blanc 10%, bourboulenc 5%, ugni blanc 3%, muscat blanc 2%.

Harvest
Hand-harvested, when the grapes are fully mature. Grapes sorted at the vine and in the cellar.

Vinification
Light crushing. Straining and pressing on a vertical hydraulic press. The must fruit is reworked manually and light settling. Fermentation with native yeasts.

Maturation
In small oak casks for 18 months, 6 of them on fine lees. Matured in barrels for one year before bottling.