Winemaker Notes
The Roussanne-dominant Quintessence Blanc is a chameleon-like similar to the Viognier-based Terrasses Blanc, demonstrating what makes the Ventoux unique in southern France. In warmer parts of the Rhône and on red-clay soils, Roussanne makes rich, dense wines with plenty of alcohol and texture. However, in the chalky parts of the Ventoux and at high elevation, this same variety shows a more northern Rhone character – expressively floral, white peach aromas and flavors, and citrus peel freshness while retaining a lively acidity and sapid minerality. If this sounds hyperbolic, then you've probably not had Quintessence Blanc.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 80% Roussanne and 20% Clairette, the 2022 Ventoux Quintessence Blanc is raised in a mix of demi-muids and barrels, with a tiny portion being new. It has a beautiful nose of ripe orchard fruits (pear, sliced apples) as well as subtle white flowers and chalky minerality. Medium-bodied and concentrated, with a beautiful spine of acidity, it's a gorgeous white from this team that will shine on the dinner table.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
An 80-20 blend of Roussanne and Clairette, the 2022 Ventoux Quintessence Blanc was bottled in May 2023 after aging in a mix of concrete and demi-muids. There's a hint of sweet corn on the nose, then more appealing notes of white peach and lime zest. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, plump and welcoming, but it's still focused and long on the finish.
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James Suckling
A pleasant nose with apples, cinnamon and leaves. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy texture. Round, fruity and velvety with an aromatic finish.
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.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.