Domaine La Manarine Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2009

As we mention to the right here, Le Plan de Dieu has a great deal to do with the impressive underlying minerality in the wine. It's hard to find a white Rhone that isn't too "flabby" as we say in speaking about wine. Its lushness is restrained a bit by its minerality which keeps it in balance. From a very "petit" 9.5 hectares of vineyard this wine has been created by and managed under the watchful eye of Gilles Gasq since 2001. Gilles is a student of Paul Jeune (proprietor of the very delicious and highly praised Domaine de Montpertuis). The Cotes du Rhone blanc is half Clairette and half Bourboulenc - two very indigenous varietals of the Southern Rhone.   

A fresh, clean nose that does remind us a little of Robiola fresh out of the fridge, it has a just a touch of malolactic acid.  But in time it blows off and shows more white flower scents. The palate is full of asian pear, ginger spice and minerality. Great acidity and a long spicy finish. It's just waiting for whatever comes off the grill. 

La Manarine CDR Blanc $18/bottle

meet the land

Le Plan-de-Dieu
Literally meaning "the map of God" the Plan de Dieu is a specific appellation or village within the Cotes du Rhone. The vineyards were established during the Middle Ages, in particular, under the Templar Knights. Chapels and religious communities were established all around the Plan de Dieu.  The religious who made their home here planted vines under the protection of God and as a sign of God these wines developed a certain reputation for their quality. Now a days we like to think good climate, great location and a knowledgeable hand in the vineyard are creating the quality of the wines coming from the region, but a little help from God never hurt either.