Laurus
Côtes du Rhône 2019

AOP Côtes du Rhône White

Awards

90 pts - ARGENT Decanter

Tasting

“Impressive white peach, nectarine, and floral notes all emerge from the 2019 Côtes Du Rhône Laurus Blanc. This medium-bodied, vibrant, beautifully balanced white has classic Southern Rhône richness as well as a notable sense of freshness and purity.” Jeb Dunnuck, Oct 2020

Food & wine pairings

Pollack fish stew (Bourride)

Papillotte of cod

Detailed information

Vintage

In the Southern Rhône Valley the harvest was spread out between the 2nd of September and the beginning of October. The whites were harvested in the first half of September while the reds were harvested in two stages in order to maximise elegance and intensity. The first half was around mid-September while the second picking took place towards the end of September, after a brief, beneficial rainfall. The balance and concentration of this vintage are remarkable.

Grape varieties

34% Viognier, 23% Roussanne, 20% Grenache, 17% Marsanne, 6% Clairette

Terroir

The selected parcels are located in two distinct terroirs:

– One located in the East Gard area, on the right bank of the Rhône river, where the alluvial terraces, hard limestone, large river stones and sand provide finesse, acidity and elegance

– The other in the Vaucluse, on the left bank, where the rich clay and limestone pebbles provide an overall opulence.

Winemaking

The harvest started early, between August 20th and Septembre 3rd. The Viognier grapes first underwent a pre-fermentation cold soak on the skins while the remaining varieties were all pressed immediately upon arrival at the winery. The Roussanne, Viognier and part of the Marsanne started their fermentation in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to barrels to finish fermenting. 45% of the cuvée was then aged in 275 liter oak Laurus barrels for 8 months with regular stirring of the lees for the first 3 months. To retain fresh acidity, the cuvée did not undergo malolactic fermentation.

Bottled on : 23rd July 2020.

40 000 bottles produced.

Vegan Friendly.

Service

Best served at 10-12°C

Enjoyment: between 2020 and 2025

Degree of alcohol

14% vol.

Technical sheet HD label HD Packshot

Laurus

Laurus means ‘Laurel’ in Latin, a Roman symbol of excellence. Here excellence is all about “terroir”: the grapes are grown on parcels selected for their ability to express the very best of each Appellation.

The term “terroir” encompasses a soil, a climate and people. Here it is expressed through sustainable partnerships with wine-growers who share our vision. The perfect combination of grape variey & soil, the precise maturing process in unique 275l. French oak "Laurus" barrels refines the structure, producing complex wines, with plenty of character, beautiful elegance and a long ageing potential.