This is a Old Vine muscat blanc from a producer spanning some of the most prestigious crus in Beaujolais. Yes you did read that right. Old vine muscat blanc, with all the residual sugar you could possibly ask for. Exotic blossoms, honeyed white fruits, lashings of balanced citrus and a fine, textural finish - this wine is the real deal, honey. Lusciously sweet and oh so pair-able. Did someone say blue cheese?
To walk through the high-altitude vineyards at Domaine de Durban is to walk through history, a handful of the soil reveals ancient Roman roof tiles and medieval pot shards. The scenic views put one at pause considering the timelessness—wine has been a part of the culture here for millennia. Jacques Leydier bought the property in the 1960s when the farm had fallen into disrepair. Today, Henri and Philippe Leydier run the domaine and this magical spot has assumed a higher purpose, producing some of the most memorable wines of the Southern Rhône. The Leydiers farm fifty-five hectares, producing a powerful Gigondas, a velvety Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge, and undeniably the most celebrated Muscat in the entire appellation.
Grapes : 100% Muscat blanc à petits grains.
Terroir : at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the soil benefits from a micro-climate protected from the wind. Sandy soils with chalky sediments (oyster and ammonite fossils).
Age of vines : 30 years old.
Area : 2,30 ha.
Viticulture : Organic farming. Ploughing, natural grass cover every other row, compost of sheep for soil life, leaf thinning.
Winemaking : hand harvesting. Selective picking of grapes. Direct pressing, settling, fermentation at very low temperature. Addition of alcohol to stop fermentation. Sterilizing filtration before bottling.
Tasting : pale yellow color with greenish hints. Intense and complex nose : flowers, white fruits and exotic fruits. The palate is elegant, fine with great length : crisp grape with honey notes. More complex aromas appear with age : candied orange, dried apricots…
Wine and food pairing : fruit dessert, apéritive, blue cheese, melon, foie gras.