Chateau de Roquefort 2022 Le Petit Sale Blanc

Clairette (Petit Salé), Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino

 IGP Bouches Du Rhône, Provence, France

These grapes benefited from organic farming and were harvested by hand. Severely drawn, the berries were partially destemmed and pressed in a flexible pneumatic press. The juice fermented at a controlled temperature between 18 and 23°C and malolactic fermentation was prevented. In order to preserve the natural freshness of the grape varieties, the wine was aged in inert containers such as stainless steel tanks and concrete.
Tasting reveals a wine with a clear color that exudes a delicate aromatic bouquet such as white flowers, minerals, white peaches and citrus fruits. In the same line, the mouth is lively and energetic ending with a somewhat mineral freshness. Here is a nice wine that will accompany regional specialties based on fish.

About the Winemaker:

During the Celtic-Greek era, fortifications were erected around the village as a rear post for the ports of Cassis and Marseille. Taken over by the Romans, this fortification was renamed “Rocca Fortis”, Roquefort thereafter. This stronghold belonged successively to the crown of Provence then to the bishopric of Marseille. Finally in 1812, General Comte de Gardanne, grandfather by marriage of the current owners: the family of Villeneuve de Flayosc. Now this magnificent estate has 27 hectares of vines over 40 years old on average. There are many Provençal grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault for the reds; Clairette, Rolle and Ugni for the whites. The strength of the estate probably lies in its micro-climate: the tides have a saving effect on the vineyard, which also enjoys cool nights due to its altitude. The grapes ripen slowly, which brings this aromatic depth to Roquefort wines. After having been at the head of the estate since 1994, Raimond de Villeneuve sold the property to Cédric and Violaine Menet in 2022.
The estate has been converted to organic farming (ECOCERT certified), the soils are worked without inputs. Many cuvées have emerged following experiments by the estate with new blends, even if this sometimes involves downgrading a wine to VDP or IGP.