Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc 2024

Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc comes from Domaine de Bila-Haut, the Roussillon estate of Michel Chapoutier of Maison Chapoutier, a house that has led biodynamic cultivation in France. Grenache Blanc leads the blend, with Macabeo and Grenache Gris in support, part of the fruit grown in the Agly Valley on calcareous soils. The limestone bedrock holds cooler reserves of water and lends the wine its saline lift, while the warm, dry Mediterranean climate ripens the Grenache Blanc to a rounder, stone-fruit register. Fermentation at controlled temperature preserves the varietal aromatics, and time on fine lees before bottling adds mid-palate weight and a subtle savoury edge without overt oak. The colour is pale gold. The nose shows white peach, apricot and melon, with white flowers and a touch of almond behind. The palate is medium bodied and textured, the fruit balanced by fresh acidity and a mineral, slightly salty close. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a standard white glass.