Chateau Mas Neuf Costieres de Nimes Compostelle Blanc 2014
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At the Southern extremity of the Rhone Valley (a very warm region), this unexpected coolness is a real singularity which marks the selection of the most adapted grape varieties and on the style of wine. They call it the "Rhone paradox".
The principal vineyards grouped around the winery have the advantage of being firmly planted on well drained brown fersiallitic soils, with a good proportion of Villafranchian era pebbles from the Durance and the Rhone. This soil ensures that the vines can get regular but moderate supplies of water. The differing depths and composition create micro terroirs with different characteristics, which are enhanced by varying viticultural techniques.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.