Viognier, 2020. Les Demoiselles de Rochefort

Les Vignerons du Castelas is a co-op located in the city of Rochefort-du-Gard in the southern part of the Rhone Valley. The name of the city "Rochefort" comes from the Latin "Roca Fortis" meaning fortified rock in the 12th century, a church was built on the top of the rocks and named "The Castelas", which is how the co-op founded their name.

In 1933 Rochefort-du-Gard became the first area to benefit from the Cotes du Rhone appellation, and in 1952 the winemakers decided to work together by creating the co-op. Their president at the time Le Baron Le Roy announced their motto: "Less wine but better," which is still written on the walls of the co-op today. Nowadays Les Vignerons du Castelas represents a total of 450 hectares mostly in the Cotes du Rhone appellation, with a total of 42 winemakers spread out on 5 areas: Rochefort-du-Gard, Saze, Tavel, Domain, and Pujaut. The climate is Mediterranean, warm to hot with dry summers, mild to cool wet winters. The soil is very dense, with rounded pebbles, clay-limestone, and sand.

This wine is bright golden in color. Its nose is aromatic, with white flowers and notes of acacia, typical of Rhone Valley Viognier. The palate is fresh and rich, with notes of nectarine, and it has a crisp finish. The richness of this wine will pair well with richer proteins, such as chicken curry made with dark meat, or turkey legs. It will also pair nicely with spices found in Vietnamese food. For vegetarian fare, pair with braised leeks and fennel or roasted butternut squash with dried cranberries. Any cheese plate including Comte or baked Brie with apricots will steal the show.

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