Chateau La Grave is a beautiful old French estate set on 250 acres run by Jean-Francois Orosquette and his family. Around one third of the vineyards are located on quaternary terraces overlooking the famous Canal du Midi producing the rich AOC Minervois reds. One third of the vineyards are located on clay soils producing Vin de Pays, while the remaining vines are located on gravel terroir dedicated to white wines. It is the white grapes coming from these soils, consisting of Maccabeu and Grenache Blanc which give the estate its’ name and stellar reputation. Jean Francois is a competent viticulturist and winemaker but prefers to run the estate “by common sense” rather than strict philosophy. The winery is fastidiously clean and consists of mainly closed concrete fermenters for the reds, and stainless steel/barrel fermentation for the whites and rose.  This is a modern thinking approach to an extremely traditional estate. The “Privelege” range is a barrel aged program consisting of a red and a white blend.  The white blend (Maccabeu/Grenache Blanc) is particularly spectacular and shows the potential of producing a world class white with these old varieties/vines in a traditionally red region.

Wines from this Winery:

Privilege Blanc 2007

 

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Privilege Blanc 2007

The winery gets its name from the gravelly soils which dominate the Estate. These soils must impact the white grapes favourably; because this Estate is know for producing some of the best white wines in the region. This is a barrel fermented blend of Maccebeu and Grenache Blanc.  It is deep yellow with aromas of dried apricots, buttered toast, vanilla and hazelnuts.  The palate is very full bodied with nutty fruit intensity and a long toasty finish. 0-6 years. 91 points

 

Expression Rose 2009

 

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Expression Rose 2009

This excellent rose is made from a blend of Syrah and Grenache. Grapes were crushed and macerated for a short time on skins before the juice was bled off and fermented at low temperatures in inert tanks. The result is a delicate Salmon colour with aromas of red cherries, raspberries and a mineral-like complexity. The palate is medium bodied, dry and has silky texture. Cellar 0-4 years.  90 points.