2024 Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve Blanc

Say Perrin and you think of the magical Château de Beaucastel and the evocative Châteauneuf-du-Pape that is highly sought after worldwide. Beaucastel has existed since the early 17th century, but it was not until 1909, when the Perrin family became the owners, that the then 100-hectare estate underwent a real metamorphosis. More than a hundred years later, and now in its fifth generation, the Perrin empire has grown to 325 hectares of vineyards, the vast majority of which are privately owned. Following the success in Châteauneuf, the family began to purchase other plots in the southern Rhône.

Today they are active in the Côtes du Rhône Villages, Vinsobres, Cairanne, Rasteau, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, even Beaumes-de-Venise and Tavel and since a few months in Côtes de Provence with Château Miraval, the jont-venture between Perrin and Jolie-Pitt (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie). Each of these plots is excellently situated at a maximum of 45 minutes from the home port of Orange and can therefore be inspected daily.

The success that the family enjoys today is largely due to the late Jacques Perrin, of the third generation, a true 'biodynamist' avant la lettre. His philosophy? Good wine is made by letting the grape grow in the best possible natural conditions. And so it happened, because as early as 1964 all chemical fertilizers and weed killers were banned from the vineyard. In the cellar too, nothing is left to chance. The Perrins built an ultramodern vinification cellar on the nearby estate La Vieille Ferme, equipped with all the technical gadgets. But the family will go down in history as the master of blenders. It is undoubtedly the great secret of the Perrins, who are convinced that blending the right grapes in the right quantities ensures better wines. Something that is still done by the family themselves every year.

The Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino of this beautiful blend are first pressed very lightly and in a second step they are pressed further. After obtaining the juice, this white Rhone wine is cooled and fermented in a controlled manner in stainless steel. The young wine is then transferred to clean stainless steel tanks to partially undergo malolactic fermentation and mature. After 8 months, the wine is assembled and bottled after clarification and light filtering. This entire process takes place as far as possible according to organic and/or biodynamic rules and regulations.

This is a wine with wonderful freshness and great depth. It has a wonderful match for Mediterranean fish and is a delicious aperitif. The wines are very aromatic with hints of flowers and a nice acidity. In the glass this white Rhône from Perrin is very pale yellow in color. In the nose aromas of lime, pear, peach and a bit of honeysuckle. In the taste palette tones of apple, melon and a touch of white pepper that are followed by a remarkably pure and good aftertaste with subtle acidity.