Mas de Libian IGP Ardèche Cave Vinum Blanc 2018

Cave Vinum is Mas de Libian's small-batch biodynamic white, a blend of low-cropped Roussanne, Viognier and Clairette grown in the southern Ardèche.

The wine is bottled as IGP Ardèche rather than under the Côtes du Rhône name, which gives Hélène Thibon a free hand with the blend. All three varieties are hand-harvested from biodynamically farmed parcels and cropped low. Roussanne takes the leading share and is fermented in barrel with the malolactic blocked, which keeps the acidity taut; the Viognier is raised entirely in cement and stainless steel to hold on to its aromatic lift; and the Clairette is fermented in a Stockinger demi-muid. White Rhône has been through something of a renaissance, with growers chasing energy and definition rather than weight, and this is very much a wine in that idiom — pulpy and orchard-fruited, with a lemon-curd richness held in check by the salty, racy finish the Ardèche limestone tends to deliver.

Approachable on release and worth three or four years in bottle. Serve at 10–12°C with roast chicken, grilled white fish with fennel, or a washed-rind cheese.

*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.