2023 Hervé Souhaut Romaneaux-Destezet

WINEMAKER: Hervé Souhaut
REGION: Ardèche, FR
VARIETY: Roussanne, Viognier
VITICULTURE: Organic

"The rare Romaneaux-Destezet Blanc is produced from 90% Roussanne 10% Viognier. Light gold in the glass with lovely scents of white flowers, tropical fruit, wet stones and subtle notes of seasoned oak. The palate is supple but fresh with loads of pear and spiced apricot flavours that are backed by elegant mineral notes. Fine and crisp acidity, pear preserve and a gentle warmth lingers on the finish. Lovely - why drink Condrieu ?" - Andrew Guard

The Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet was created in 1993 by Hervé Souhaut. His holdings on the acidic granite soils of the northern Rhône and the southern Ardèche are a mixture of new and ancient vines — from 50 to 100 years old. Hervé's holdings are minuscule, only five hectares and he employs only organic viticulture and natural winemaking techniques. This domaine is one of the most respected producers of wine in the area. 

The methods of Jules Chauvet are followed here, which is to say grapes are hand-harvested and then the whole bunches undergo a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature. Fermentation follows using natural yeasts in wooden and concrete tanks – the wine is then aged on fine lees in seasoned oak casks for eight to twelve months. Following that there is just a teeny dose of sulfur at bottling, which is done without filtration.