Boutinot “La Fleur Solitaire” Côtes du Rhône
Although famed for it's red wine, white wines have a long heritage in the southern Rhône Valley, where the locals enjoy an occasional glass at the start of a warm evening. La Fleur Solitaire is therefore a 'solitaire' among the rubies of our Boutinot Rhône range; a white Côtes du Rhône made from traditional southern Rhône white grape varieties.
Côtes du Rhône
France
Food Match
A lovely aperitif or try with light starters and grilled fish.
Tasting Notes
Proper white Côtes du Rhône – fresh, medium-bodied and vinous. The nose is pretty and delicate with just hints of hedgerow flowers. The flavors are nuanced and refined rather than overt. Careful use of oak adds texture and viscosity to this very drinkable white.
Production
Following an experiment with a micro cuvée crafted from seven barrels back in 2009, we now source from selected vineyards in the southern Rhône. Each is picked separately in the cooler daylight hours for gentle pressing the same morning and fermented at a low temperature. To a base of Grenache Blanc, we blend Viognier with co-fermented pairs of Roussanne / Marsanne and Bourblanc / Clairette (for freshness). Over the years we have increased the proportion we vinifiy in stainless steel tanks, with approximately a quarter vinified and matured for six months in 300L French oak barrels of second to third fill.