Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2022

Domaine de Thalabert is the oldest estate in the Crozes Hermitage appellation. It has been the property of Paul Jaboulet Aîné since it was founded in 1834. The ruins of the ancient building of Clos Gounon and its surrounding meadows and forest in the middle of the vineyard form a protected nature preserve to encourage biodiversity. It is the first of its kind in the region. Thalabert Mule Blanche is named after the mules that were historically used in the vineyard since they are more agile than horses.

The Marsanne and Roussanne vines are planted in low terraces with clay and limestone soil of alluvial origin filled with pebbles. These round pebbles absorb the heat of the sun during the day and release it throughout the night, enabling grapes to mature at an optimal steady pace. The vines are between 50 and 70 years old. The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole bunches. After settling, the juice is fermented in concrete eggs and French oak barrels (5% of which are new). The wine then ages on the lees for 4 months in the same containers.