Crozes Hermitage AOP – Christelle Betton – Circé – white

Description

The white Crozes-Hermitage AOP – Circé from Christelle Betton is a cuvée of great finesse, made mainly from Marsanne (95%) with a touch of Roussanne (5%). This wine reflects the granite terroirs of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, in the heart of the northern Rhône Valley, which enjoy an ideal exposure for slow, balanced ripening of the grapes. The clay-granite and schist soils give this wine a characteristic minerality, while allowing the Marsanne to express itself fully with its richness and roundness.

The sustainable viticulture practised by Christelle Betton includes environmentally friendly methods and rigorous work on yields. The vines are pruned so as to optimise airflow and grape quality, and the harvest is carried out by hand, only once the bunches have reached full ripeness. This carefully selected harvest then undergoes direct pressing, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve the freshness and aromas of the fruit. The winemaking is carried out with the utmost respect for the terroir, without oak, to give pride of place to the primary aromas of the grape variety.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for several months in stainless steel vats to ensure the fruity and floral aromas are optimally preserved while maintaining a round, silky texture. The Circé cuvée is neither too oaky nor too opulent, which allows the terroir to express itself fully and the wine to retain remarkable freshness and liveliness.

Circé white stands out for its bright, clear pale gold colour, which already hints at the finesse of its aromatic profile. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of ripe white fruit (pear, apple), accompanied by delicate floral notes of white flowers (acacia, linden), as well as a subtle mineral, almost briny touch that reflects the granite terroir. On the palate, the wine offers a fresh attack that is crunchy, followed by an ample, round palate, where the richness of the Marsanne blends perfectly with the freshness and lightness of the Roussanne. The texture is silky, with a fine acidity that balances the roundness, and the finish is long and elegant, with fruity, slightly saline notes reminiscent of the terroir.

This white Crozes-Hermitage – Circé is a wine that pairs perfectly with seafood, grilled fish, shellfish dishes, or fresh goat's cheeses or soft cheeses such as Brie or Coulommiers. It can be enjoyed now to appreciate its freshness, but also has a cellaring potential of 3 to 5 years, during which it will refine its aromas and develop greater complexity.

Grape varieties: 95% Marsanne, 5% Roussanne
Terroir: Clay-granite soils, south-east exposure
Viticulture: Sustainable, hand harvesting
Winemaking: Direct pressing, fermentation in stainless steel vats
Ageing: Stainless steel vats for 8 to 10 months
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
Cellaring: 3 to 5 years

A refined, elegant and harmonious white Crozes-Hermitage that showcases the richness of the Marsanne and the freshness of the Roussanne, with a lingering, mineral finish.