Origin: south/southeast-facing vines in terraces overlooking the village of Chavanay. “La Petite Côte” is not a district but a cuvée brand.
Soils: muscovite-rich granite.
Grape Variety: viognier.
Viticulture: high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation. Vinification: the grapes are hand-picked and sorted, then pressed and left to settle. Alcoholic-fermented in barriques, no racking, regular stirring. Malolactic fermentation also done in barriques, with native yeasts.
Maturing: 9 months in barriques, on the lees, no racking, regular stirring.
Style: An expressive and seductive wine. The nose evokes a basket of fruits gilded by the sun, apricot, quince, peach and citrus fruits. Some sweet notes of flowers (lilac, rose and violet) and honey make the whole set even more charming. The mouth is gourmand and fresh, a beautiful spicy power and a bitterness thirst quenches the final reflecting us the image of this vintage.
Ageing: drink “on the fruit” up to 3-4 years.
Pairing: delicate fish (e.g. carpaccio of marinated salmon and bream).