SOLD OUT! I’m up to my old tricks again — finding incredible wines at incredible prices! the 2016 Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Blanc Samorens is one of the top white wine values of the brilliant 2016 Southern Rhone vintage.
I know it’s winter, and the weather has been “varied,” but we poured this one on a cold Saturday a couple of weeks back, and it sold out quickly. Rated 90 points by Jeb Dunnuck, the Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Blanc is our new Case of the Month.
2016 Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Blanc Samorens
90 points – Jeb Dunnuck
SOLD OUT
Jeb Dunnuck referred to the 2016 Southern Rhone vintage as “heavenly,” and he went on to say it was “truly” an extraordinary vintage.” After tasting this wine, I have to agree. Founded in 1946, Maison Ferraton et Fils has always been a dependable producer Rhone Valley producer. With holdings in the northern and southern part of the region, they make a wide range of wines. In 1998, Michel Ferraton decided to convert all of their vineyards to biodynamic/organic farming, and Michel Chapoutier was joined the team to help with their marketing efforts. It took a few years, but starting with the 2009 vintage, all their wines showed a marked increase in quality.
Their 2016 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a blend of equal parts Roussanne, Viognier, and Clairette fermented in stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to promote freshness and a crisp texture. Jeb Dunnuck says: “Made from equal parts Roussanne, Viognier and Clairette, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Samorens is a terrific white from a region that’s producing more and more high-quality whites. Citrus blossom, brioche, crushed rocks and a touch of white grapefruit fruit emerge from this clean, crisp white that’s going to age nicely for 3-4 years, if not longer.“
What I like about the wine is its combination of concentration and freshness. All three of the grapes making up the blend here yield fuller bodied wines that can sometimes be fat, clumsy, and cloying. That’s certainly not the case here. Instead, it’s beautifully aromatic and somewhat powerful, but at the same time it possesses wonderful natural acidity. It really does remind me of White Chateauneuf………..no, it’s actually better than many White Chateauneufs.
Strong words, I know, but once you taste it, you’ll understand. Cheers and happy drinking and eating in Asheville!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville