Grape Variety: 100% Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains

Growing Region: Cotes du Rhone, France

Owner / Chief Winemaker: Caroline Frey

TASTING NOTE:
This Paul Jaboulet dessert wine is made in the unique method called 'Vin Doux Naturel' - which translates as 'naturally sweet', but this is only part of the story, as we are talking about a wine made using 'mutage', the addition of grape spirit to the must, added before fermentation is complete. This action kills the yeast, and the unfermented sugar creates a sweet wine, which is really a blend of wine, unfermented grape juice and added grape spirit.

The grapes are harvested by successive passes in the vineyard and when pressed they have a minimum natural sugar content of 252g/l, with the other bunches much higher. The sweet juice goes through a cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks while resting on its fine lees until it reaches 11% alcohol and then is stopped by the addition of neutral alcohol (mutage) to reach the perfect balance between sweetness, richness and elegance.

In the glass the wine is a sharp golden colour with an attractive brightness. The wine has aromas of lychee, orange, apricot marmalade and mango liqueur notes burst on the nose. The palate is rich with honey and candied fruits, with a dense viscous nature though enhanced and perfectly balanced with a beautiful lifted freshness. The wine has an outstanding length and the finish has a pleasing citrus freshness. A wine of great flavour and personality. Chill and serve at 8-10C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this season, and will age gracefully for another 4-5 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine pairing with apple and pear tarts, fresh fruit desserts and exotic flavoured sorbets, enjoy.

One of the world's most enjoyed sweet wines.