Vine age: 100 years old. Vineyards: From the Gallimardes, a single vineyard in the south of the appellation. Aging: In stainless steel except for Roussane which is aged in barrels for 6 months.
Of the 8 hectares of old vines that Marie and François Giraud farm in Galimardes, a rocky and red clay soil on the road between the villages Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Sorgues, 1 hectare are white varieties – roughly equal parts Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Bourboulenc. Each variety is harvested exactly when it is ripe and is gently pressed into tank except the Roussanne which is fermented in French oak demi-muids. After 6 months of aging Marie assembles the final blend. Due to the age of the vines the exact blend changes from vintage to vintage as does the quantity of wine bottled.
Ripe melon, pear and yellow apple fruit flavors are backed by fresh acidity and a honeysuckle note, lending contrast between the opulence and raciness.