Le Paradou - Viognier 2021
Price: $17.99
Sale Price: $13.99
Producer | Le Paradou |
Country | France |
Region | Ventoux |
Varietal | Viognier |
Vintage | 2021 |
Sku | 03178 |
Size | 750ml |
Brothers Alexandre & Frédéric Chaudière are from a family that has produced generations of wine-makers at the Château Pesquié in the Ventoux, South of the Rhone Valley. In 2005, when they created the Paradou range, they decided to give themselves a new challenge – create bright, fresh, “naked” expressions of their region’s greatest grapes – Grenache and Viognier. In order to ensure freshness in a region known for its ripeness, the Paradou vineyards are situated at higher elevations in exposures that are not South-facing. (Facing south leads to more sun exposure and ripeness.) Both wines are fermented and aged in tank – no oak barrels are used.
Viognier is tricky and requires some real attention. For starters, the brothers pay close attention to the harvesting date, bringing the grapes in what others may consider "early." Their aim is to preserve acidity and freshness, while capturing the exotic and flamboyant aromas of Viognier, without veering into overblown. Whew! That is tricky! In the same line of reasoning, malolactic fermentation is blocked - that's the process that results in a "buttery" flavor and texture in Chardonnay. By blocking it, you get a vibrant, clean and downright delicious expression of the grape!
Classic honeysuckle aromas give way to bright peach, pear and mineral notes. There's a lovely creaminess to the wine that balances all of the brightness. The exotic notes of lychee, honeysuckle, and white peaches are all there, so you can pair with more flavorful foods - think chicken with mango salsa, ceviche, etc. But, as I said, everything is kept in check so perfectly, you can go simpler foods as well - I enjoyed with a simple roasted chicken. Cheese? Sure! Passes hors d'ouevres? Absolutely! This is an easy to love wine that will go with a huge variety of foods.
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