From: Southern Rhône, France
Blend: 60% Roussanne, 20% Marsanne, 20% Viognier
Taste: A pure and energetic southern Rhone blend. It balances the bright stone fruit notes like peaches and cream and apricots with a lightness and freshness that isn’t always easy to come by for the region. The velvet-like texture makes this a perfect anytime white.
Pairing: Try this Lemon Butter Sauce from Creme de la Crumb, which is so versatile that you can use it on anything from pasta, to halibut or trout, or even roasted chicken. The acidity and roundness of the sauce can stand up to the amazing texture of the wine.
About. Many thanks to importer, Wilson Daniels for the following information. Formerly known as ‘Biotiful Fox,’ the Petit Renard Blanc comes from a range of certified organic and biodynamic wines made by the Coulon family, who have owned Domaine de Beaurenard in Châteauneuf du Pape for eight generations. This project started with the younger generation of Coulon’s wanting to source grapes from friends’ vineyards in the Rhône region in order to explore the “great potential to develop and expand our activities, and portfolio while keeping our philosophy and values intact,” said Victor Coulon.
The wine begins with meticulous grape selection; here the Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier are harvested early and together. In the cellar, only the first juices (the most elegant and aromatic) are retained for winemaking. They follow and respect the astral calendar for vinification with slow, temperature controlled fermentation, followed by thoughtful blending and a period of rest in the bottle before release. At each stage, they strive for a balance of fragrance, delicacy, and minerality.
Vintage report. 2022 was a very warm and dry year. The good rain episodes at the end of August and early September were ideal and particularly important to help the vines balance the fruit profile and continue a normal ripening process. Quantities were quite reduced due to the drought in addition to three episodes of hail throughout the season. Despite this unusual climate, the 2022 vintage has shown a very beautiful fruity and bright profile in the wines.
