Lafage Cote Est Blanc 2024

Magnolia Blossoms, Jasmine, Fresh Red Apples, Nectarine, Ripe Pineapple

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"This wine has become a perennial feature for us because it is so utterly unique and delicious. It is made by rock star winemaker Jean-Marc Lafage (who hit it big with Evodia before selling the label to Gallo) from his vineyards in the southwest corner of France, near the Spanish border. Although not as well known for their wines as other parts of France, this area, called the Roussillon, has a winemaking history that goes back at least as far as Roman times. There is even evidence that the Phoenicians may have planted the first grapes on these hillsides, over three thousand years ago.

What makes this such a perfect area for grapevines is that the land will support very little other commercial crops. As you travel west from the city of Toulouse, the rolling hills give way to steeper, more extreme facades and the soil is very rocky. These soils don't support food crops but grape vines grow well, and with the advent of modern winemaking, this area is become a real hot bed for great values. The climate in this area is very sunny and hot, so the vines planted on the eastern facing vineyards are shaded from the severe afternoon sun. As a result the grapes retain some acidity which gives the final wine vibrancy. This is why the wine is called Cote Est, or the “east slope.” (There is a red wine as well, Cote Sud, which is produced from Lafage’s south facing vineyards.)
For this wine Jean Marc uses 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and 20% Roussanne; all fermented and aged in stainless tanks." - Tim Varan