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Princess and The Bear

2018 Grand Cuvée Blanc
2018 Grand Cuvée Blanc - View 1
2018 Grand Cuvée Blanc - View 2
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
60% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Petit Manseng
Appellation
IGP Saint Guilhem Le Desert
Aging
6 months aging in tank before a pre-assembly which will then be aged 12 months in barrels of 225 and 400 liters
Fermentation
Grapes are de-stemmed and crushed, then spend 25-30 days in vats.
Alcohol %
13.5

Domaine de L'Hortus
2018 Grand Cuvée Blanc

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$39.99
/ 750ml

This seductive organic white blend harmonizes the toastiness of barrel-fermented Chardonnay with the floral aspects of Viognier. Notes of pear, melon, and stone fruit enhance its silky appeal. The long, mouthwatering finish expresses the light touch of oak used to achieve perfection. 

Enjoy this medium to full-bodied wine with creamy clam chowder, grilled fish or a platter of soft cheeses. Also lovely when paired with a lemon dessert.

Domaine: Domaine de L'Hortus
Appellation: IGP St. Guilhem le Desert
Cuvée: 2018 Grand Cuvee Blanc
Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Petit Manseng    

Awards:
This wine has received numerous prestigious awards:
92 points — Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, 2020.  
The 2009 vintage was awarded Silver from the Decanter World Wine Awards as well as 1 Star from the Guide Hachette des Vins.
Based on aggregated critic scores this is one of the top 10 IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert wines.

Wine Description

Fruit:
Floral:
Spice:
Wood:
Body:
Herbal:
Mineral:
Crisp:

 

Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
60% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Petit Manseng
Appellation
IGP Saint Guilhem Le Desert
Aging
6 months aging in tank before a pre-assembly which will then be aged 12 months in barrels of 225 and 400 liters
Fermentation
Grapes are de-stemmed and crushed, then spend 25-30 days in vats.
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
These vines are from mid-slope land parcels, with brown soil formed from limestone scree. Domaine l’Hortus is located in one of the cooler sections of the appellation of Pic Saint Loup, with vineyards nestled in a valley between the two limestone cliffs of Pic Saint Loup and the Montagne de Hortus. The winemaker states that their vineyard is set “between cliffs and wild garrigue” and the climate is “at the winds’ mercy”. The “Grand Cuvee” wines are from the best area of the producer’s land, where the water supply is most reliable, there are the best weather conditions and the soils are deep enough to reserve water and protect the vines from the summer drought. This results in exceptionally balanced wines.
Production Notes
Grapes undergo eight months of aging in tanks before a pre-assembly, which in turn is aged for 12 months in barrels. Direct pressing is used along with clarification in cool temperatures. Chardonnay is vinified in 228 liter oak casks on the lees. Viognier is vinified in tanks.
Winemaker Notes
The winery was established in 1978 when Jean Orliac, an agriculture professor and avid rock climber, fell in love with the area and purchased land in and around these cliffs. After years of befriending vines and transforming 50 hectares of wooded slopes in disrepair, the family finally bottled their own wine in 1990. The Domaine de l’Hortus team consists of 4 siblings: Marie, Francois, Yves and Martin Orliac. There are also eleven full time employees, along with 40 seasonal workers, that make up the team.
Food Pairing Notes
Enjoy this medium to full-bodied wine with creamy clam chowder, grilled fish or a platter of soft cheeses. Also lovely when paired with a lemon dessert.
Other Notes
Ageability: Drink now or keep until 2023. Serve at 54°F.