Château La Verrerie, Hautes Collines Viognier

In 1981, Jean-Louis Descours fell in love with Château La Verrerie while looking for a project to occupy him post-retirement. He promptly purchased the 20-hectare estate and, with the help of his son Gérard, brought it back to life. They constructed a new winery and acquired more vineyards with the sole ambition of making great wine. Their first vintage was released in 1985. Today, Christopher Descours, Jean-Louis’ grandson and owner of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, runs the estate with the talented Valentine Tardieu-Vitali at the winemaking helm. Valentine recently ranked in Le Figaro’s Top 50 French winemakers classification.

Château La Verrerie comprises 48 hectares of vineyard located in the Luberon appellation. 70% of plantings are dedicated to red wine production with the remainder split between rosé and white wine. For the reds, 50% of the plantings are Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault and Carignan, while seven hectares are dedicated to Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. The domaine’s vineyards are farmed organically and the wines have been certified organic since the 2013 vintage.

Their Luberon Rosé is made using the saignée method and comprises a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Aged on its lees for three to six months to add texture to the palate, the resulting wine is Provençal in style with a delicate, pale colour with a perfumed nose, crisp acidity and a scented finish.

Their ‘Hautes Collines’ Blanc comprises a blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Each variety is fermented separately, partially in casks, before being aged on their lees for four months. The ‘Hautes Collines’ Rouge blends Syrah and Grenache to create a wine bursting with blood orange and sweet liquorice notes. This is a typical Luberon red, with beautiful balance and silky texture. The ‘Hautes Collines’ Viognier is characterised by layers of fresh stone fruits, a delicate floral bouquet, a well-structured palate and a saline finish.