Côtes du Rhône “Esprit Barville”

HISTORY AND VINEYARD:

With this cuvée, the winemaker put all of their ancestral know-how in the development of a prestigious Côtes du Rhône. A great wine of character, elegant and distinctive, showcasing the historic grape variety and king of the southern Rhône Valley: Grenache. So that the latter is expressed to its best potential, the work is in reasoned culture of the soils, with a severe pruning in winter, a green harvest and a stripping to limit the yield. The harvest is carried out manually and at good maturity.

VINIFICATION AND BREEDING: Gentle pneumatic pressing is direct at low pressure. After cold settling of the must overnight at 10 ° C, alcoholic fermentation takes place in thermoregulated stainless steel vats at a low temperature between 16 ° and 18 °. They do not make malolactic fermentation to preserve all the freshness and proceed to an aging for 6 months on fine lees with regular stirring in stainless steel vats. Bottling is carried out in March, April following the harvest.

TASTING NOTES: “Fruity and Round”

Straw yellow with some green reflections in the color, with aromas of exotic fruits, white flowers and citrus, this wine has a very complex taste encompassing notes of peach and apricot. It presents a good freshness and a very good length.

FOOD:

Try as an aperitif, to accompany seafood and citrus salads or pair with chicken & fish. Perfect with dessert made with candied fruit, apricot tart.

2017, was a good year with low returns. Beautiful sugar wealth and s color deep, red wines are powerful, round and balanced. In white and rosé, the wines are full-bodied , full- bodied and have kept some freshness. 2016: An exceptional year. Aromatic, powerful, round, fine and balanced wines for the reds; fresh, fat, ample and very long for the whites.

REWARDS

Wine Spectator – 89 Pts

Wine Enthusiast – 88 Pts – Briskly concentrated Asian pear and grapefruit flavors are accented by crisp acidity and a clean, mineral tone in this full-bodied but fresh white. It’s an easy-drinking dry wine to enjoy now–2020. Anna Lee C. Iijima

Palazzo della Torre

Blend: Corvina Veronese 40%, Corvinone 30%, Rondinella 25%, Sangiovese 5%

TASTING NOTES:

This wine is elegant and well balanced, with a good structure and aroma. Ruby red in color with purple hues, it offers light hints of raisins, sophisticated notes of vanilla, black pepper, cloves and cinnamon. It has a long, velvety finish and soft tannins.

FOOD:

Palazzo della Torre easily pairs with various Italian dishes, above all risottos, especially those flavored with saffron, porcini mushrooms and pork; classic dishes such as pasta with Carbonara sauces, baked lasagna, gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts; grilled meats and roasts. It also excels when matched with ham and fine-cured pork loin, as well as medium-matured cheeses, especially Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) & pecorino.

James Suckling – 92 Pts – A juicy and flavorful red with dried berries, chocolate and hints of walnuts and herbs, following through to a rich finish. Medium body.

Wine Spectator – 90 Pts – Notes of black cherry preserves, delicate spice and fig cake are rich and fragrant in this elegant, medium-bodied red, which is lightly juicy, with creamy tannins that firm the herb- and smoke-laced finish. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese.

Wine Enthusiast – 90 Pts – Ripe dark berry, underbrush and spice aromas lead the nose. The savory, balanced palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and a touch of cinnamon alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2024.