Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2021

Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is an atypically Roussanne-dominant white from an estate that farms barely a hectare of white grapes.

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape accounts for only a small fraction of the appellation's output, drawn from a handful of permitted varieties on the terraces around the village. Marcoux, run by the Armenier sisters, is one of the oldest holdings in Châteauneuf, and its blanc runs up to 70 per cent Roussanne, filled out with Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Clairette. Most of the Roussanne and Bourboulenc comes from two parcels: Les Esqueirons, where cool limestone-based soils suit white grapes, and Les Bosquets, where the Bourboulenc brings citric freshness and drive to the layered Roussanne. The Grenache Blanc and Clairette are co-planted in predominantly red sites. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in mostly steel tanks, with an increasing share now raised in low-impact Stockinger cask. There is no bâtonnage, a deliberate choice to keep the wine chiselled and savoury rather than broad.

Good on release, though the best examples close up briefly and reward five to eight years. Serve at 10-12°C with roast chicken, bouillabaisse or aged comté.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.