Domaine Lafage, Côté Est

Bottle notes

A beautifully lush white with flavours of orange marmalade and exotic fruits enlivened by a fresh minerality on the finish.

Producer Note

Domaine Lafage is situated between Perpignan and the Spanish border in Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, and has been run by Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage since 2001. Together, they travelled the world, spending many a season harvesting grapes and making wine in South America, the United States (California), South Africa and Germany before settling back in the Roussillon. Domaine Lafage, which has a winemaking history dating back to 1798, prides itself on producing fine and elegant wines from the mosaic of vineyards in the dry, windy and rugged landscape. For over a decade, the Roussillon region has been grappling with the full force of climate change. Domaine Lafage has been transforming its viticultural practices and laying the groundwork to be able to face climatic challenges the future may bring. They place great emphasis on sustainability, and climate resistance in the form of regenerative agriculture and water monitoring. Harvesting also takes place earlier to retain natural freshness, which is translated in the elegance of their wines.

Vineyard

The soil consists of rolled pebbles and the vineyards are planted at a density of 3,800 vines per ha, with an average vine age of 80 years for the Grenache and 20 for the Chardonnay and Roussanne. Yields are 35 hl/ha. The vines are planted in an easterly direction, hence the wine name ‘Côté Est', which results in a cooler temperature for the grapes, protecting the acidity and fruit.

Winemaking

The Grenache Blanc is harvested at 14% and the juice cold macerated for 24 hours, then racked. Each variety is fermented separately at between 16 and 18°c, then aged on fine lees for three months.

Tasting Note

A singular, honeyed, lush, exotic white wine with beeswax and orange marmalade notes. Medium-bodied and dry with minerality, this fruit cocktail-styled wine should be enjoyed fresh while it is young.

Details

Country: France

Region: Languedoc

Sub region: Pays d'Oc

Winemaker: Jean Marc Lafage

Grape: Grenache Blanc 70%, Chardonnay 20%, Roussanne 10%

Alcohol: 12% VOL

Contains Sulphites: Yes

Vegetarian: Yes

Vegan: Yes

Volume: 75cl

Closure: Screwcap