Crozes Hermitage AOP – Domaine Delhome – Loess – white

Description

The Crozes-Hermitage AOP – Loess white from Domaine Delhome is a precise, expressive cuvée, produced on terroirs typical of the appellation in the villages of Mercurol and Beaumont-Monteux, in the heart of the northern Rhône Valley. The name “Loess” refers to the nature of the soils, made up of fine, calcareous wind-blown deposits, rich in minerals, which give the wine lovely finesse and a much-appreciated mineral tension.

This white is made from Marsanne, sometimes with a small percentage of Roussanne, depending on the vintage. The vines, farmed with sustainable viticulture, are tended with particular care: yield control, soil work, limited treatments. The grapes are harvested by hand, at perfect ripeness, to preserve the balance between freshness, fruit and structure.

In the cellar, the grapes are pressed directly, then the juice is cold-settled. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with, depending on the year, a brief spell in barrels or demi-muids for part of the cuvée, to add complexity without masking the identity of the terroir. The wine is then aged on fine lees for several months, which helps develop texture on the palate and a certain roundness.

On tasting, the Loess white reveals a brilliant pale gold colour. The nose is expressive, blending notes of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia), white peach, quince and yellow-fleshed fruit, with a subtle touch of acacia honey and a chalky minerality. On the palate, the attack is lively and fresh, then the wine gains in volume, offering a broad, silky and structured texture, with lovely aromatic persistence. The balance between richness and tension is well judged, and the slightly saline finish prolongs the pleasure.

This white Crozes-Hermitage is a versatile wine that can accompany a refined aperitif just as well as fish in sauce, poultry in a creamy sauce, roasted vegetables or soft cheeses (Reblochon, truffled Brie). It can be enjoyed young to make the most of its aromatic freshness, but also has good ageing potential (3 to 5 years), during which it will develop more complex, honeyed aromas.

Grape varieties: 100% Marsanne (or a blend of mostly Marsanne with Roussanne)
Terroir: Loess and clay-limestone, east/south-east exposure
Viticulture: Sustainable, hand-harvested
Vinification: Direct pressing, fermentation in stainless-steel vats (and partly in oak depending on the vintage)
Ageing: On fine lees, 6 to 8 months
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
Cellaring potential: 3 to 5 years

A white of character and precision, both generous and taut, an elegant signature of Domaine Delhome.