VDF – Christelle Betton – Marsanne – white

Description

The Marsanne white from Christelle Betton is a single-varietal cuvée from vines planted on the edge of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, on clay-limestone and alluvial soils typical of the plain of the northern Rhône Valley. This cuvée is classified as Vin de France or IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, depending on the vintage and the location of the plots. It showcases Marsanne, an emblematic Rhône grape variety, in an expression that is at once pure, fresh and delicious.

The vineyard is farmed sustainably, with rigorous plot-by-plot monitoring, aiming to respect the natural cycle of the vine while limiting treatments. The relatively young vines are harvested by hand or by machine, depending on harvest conditions, with a rigorous selection of berries at optimal ripeness. The aim is to preserve the grape’s natural acidity while ensuring good aromatic concentration.

In the cellar, the grapes are pressed directly on arrival, with cold settling to clarify the juice. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at low temperature (around 15 °C), to preserve the finesse of the floral and fruity aromas. There is no oak ageing: the emphasis is on aromatic freshness and the clarity of the grape variety. After fermentation, the wine rests for several weeks on fine lees, which gives it a touch of richness and a rounder palate, without weighing down the structure.

On tasting, the Marsanne white shows a pale yellow colour with silvery highlights, clear and brilliant. The nose is expressive, dominated by floral notes (acacia, hawthorn), complemented by aromas of fresh pear and white peach, along with a discreet touch of honey and a light minerality. On the palate, the attack is supple and fresh, with a lovely natural roundness typical of Marsanne. The structure is balanced, the texture smooth and the finish slightly saline, bringing length and precision.

This white wine, both light and structured, can be enjoyed as an aperitif, but also pairs very well with seafood, grilled fish, crunchy vegetables, or dishes based on poultry and soft cheeses (Brillat-Savarin, Saint-Félicien…). It can be drunk young to enjoy its vibrant fruit, or after 1 to 2 years of cellaring to develop more complex notes.

Grape variety: 100% Marsanne
Terroir: Clay-limestone and alluvium, Rhône plain
Viticulture: Sustainable
Winemaking: Direct pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks
Ageing: On fine lees, in stainless steel tanks
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
Cellaring: 1 to 3 years

A frank, floral and fresh white from Christelle Betton, revealing a Marsanne full of finesse, poised between immediate indulgence and natural elegance.