2021 Chateau Simone Palette Blanc
Château Simone’s Palette Blanc is a white wine from Provence’s Palette AOC, produced on vineyards located on elevated limestone soils just south of Aix‐en‐Provence. The wine is chiefly composed of Clairette, with additions of Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and minor proportions of Bourboulenc, Muscat Blanc, Picpoul, Furmint, and Semillon. The grapes are hand‐harvested, de‐stemmed, and lightly pressed before undergoing a two‐ to three‐week native yeast fermentation in wooden vats. Subsequent aging includes one year in old foudres followed by an additional year in predominantly neutral oak barrels without lees stirring, with further bottle maturation prior to release. This methodical approach, rooted in a heritage dating back to the 19th century and maintained by generations of the Rougier family, reflects the estate’s longstanding dedication to traditional winemaking practices and the unique terroir of the region.
Regular price
$80.00
Regular price
Sale price
$80.00
Specs
Grapes:
Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc, Muscat Blanc, Picpoul, Furmint, Semillon
Winemaker:
Jean Rougier
Vintage:
2021
Farming
Harvest
Fully mature, hand‐harvested grapes are sorted at the vine and in the cellar, de‐stemmed, and lightly crushed or pressed—often with a vertical hydraulic press.
Fermentation
Light crushing, straining, and pressing precede fermentation in small wooden vats, foudres, or other wood vessels. Fermentation is carried out with native or wild yeast for approximately 15–20 days (or under slow, natural conditions without temperature control), with techniques such as manual pomace reworking and resting on the lees.
Aging
Maturation occurs in a combination of vessels. In some cases, wine rests for eight months in small foudres, while in others it is stored in 20–30 hl casks or small oak casks for up to 18 months (including about 6 months on fine lees), followed by one year of aging in oak barriques or barrels. Extended aging methods also employ old foudres or neutral oak barrels without lees stirring and minimal filtration.
