Domaine Bernard Gripa - Saint-Péray "Les Figuiers" white 2021
The Les Figuiers is a rich, complex and floral Marsanne, Roussanne white wine.
Domaine Bernard Gripa is producing as much white wine as it is red. This is unusual in a region where white wine production is scarce. Saint Péray is the southernmost appellation of the northern Rhône Valley. Part of the Domaine’s fine reputation comes from its top quality Saint Péray wines. The appellation is lesser known, but savvy wine connoisseurs are wise to its incredible value. “Les Figuiers” is the Domaine’s top cuvée of Saint Péray. The Gripa’s use their old vines of more than 50 years to produce the nectar.
The nose is rich with flower, beeswax, stone fruits and a hint of spice. The minerality in this wine creates a terrific and complex taste. It would pair very well with seafood, spicy dishes and white meat. It is perfect to drink in its youth. 40% Marsanne, 60% Roussanne.
A hint of stuck match appears on the nose of the Saint Peray Les Figuiers, along with notes of pear and citrus. A barrel-fermented 60-40 blend of Roussanne and Marsanne, it's medium-bodied, streamlined and silky textured, with bright, lime-like flavors on the long finish. Still youthfully tight, this seems like it could drink well for more than 2-3 years. 91 points -Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate.
- What we say
- Technical notes
"The Saint Péray “Les Figuiers” from Domaine Bernard Gripa is probably the best one made in this appellation. The complex granite soils of the appellation plus the old vines and the Gripa’s expertise are showcased to perfection here. If you haven’t heard about the appellation, I advise you to get to know it!"
The vineyards in Saint Péray – like most in the northern Rhône Valley – are planted on terraces. It means there is no use of machines, with all work done by hand. Gripa’s team are vigilant in their care. The harvest is collected in cases and brought to the winery to be pressed directly and put into stainless steel vats for a cold maceration before fermentation. The vinification is traditional and the wines undergo their maturation in 228 and 600 litre French oak barrels for eight to nine months. The goal is to keep the terroir* style rather than overpowering the wines in oak flavours.
*Terroir is the specific combination of location, vineyard, climate and people that create a wine. Accordingly, different terroirs produce different wines.
What we say
"The Saint Péray “Les Figuiers” from Domaine Bernard Gripa is probably the best one made in this appellation. The complex granite soils of the appellation plus the old vines and the Gripa’s expertise are showcased to perfection here. If you haven’t heard about the appellation, I advise you to get to know it!"
Technical notes
The vineyards in Saint Péray – like most in the northern Rhône Valley – are planted on terraces. It means there is no use of machines, with all work done by hand. Gripa’s team are vigilant in their care. The harvest is collected in cases and brought to the winery to be pressed directly and put into stainless steel vats for a cold maceration before fermentation. The vinification is traditional and the wines undergo their maturation in 228 and 600 litre French oak barrels for eight to nine months. The goal is to keep the terroir* style rather than overpowering the wines in oak flavours.
*Terroir is the specific combination of location, vineyard, climate and people that create a wine. Accordingly, different terroirs produce different wines.
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