Tasting Review - Northern Rhone Valley White Blend

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."-Marcus Garvey

Northern Rhone is one of those breathtaking french wine producing regions that have an amazing history to it be in from the french history or in their rich wine making family histories!

The Northern Rhone are generally famous for their powerful, elegant and long ageing reds which are a huge demand around the world other than their big and full bodied cabernet brothers of the Bordeaux.. 

But this region not only is well known for it's powerful and longevity reds, they are also well known for their whites especially the Viognier from the region of Condrieu which can fetch an astronomical price if they are in those exceptional years or the winery is from the famous Chateau Grillet!
Well other than the well known Viognier, they are also famous for the other aromatic and intense flavour of Marsanne and Roussanne..
This grapes are also permitted to be included in the red wine blends but maximum till 15% to be part of the blend from either Marsanne or Roussanne.. There is a purpose for each of the grape variety that adds more depth and flavour to the red blend..
Marsanne is basically the most dominant partner in the Northern Rhone white blend as it lends colour, body and weight with also richly scented fruit especially peach, pear and spice
Roussanne is usually planted in a lower quantity and this varietal is pretty finicky to cultivate.. It is found mostly in Southern France which by it is a blending partner with Grenache Blanc..
This grape varietal just lends a more intensely aromatic white alongisde of delicacy and finesse to the white blend!
 It is a late ripening varietal which offer a pungent aromatic profile of fresh flower, herbs, peaches, spices,pears and roasted nuts with crisp acidity that is great for ageing..

Lately this northern rhone varietals are slowly being planted in other parts of the world and it was found it the region of South Australia and California..
They do need more sun exposure to ripen as the Marsanne varietal is prone to rot and they proved to be an amazing varietal in those regions!

E.Guigal Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2014

The 1st Northern Rhone Valley grape varietal wine that we are going to discuss about today is the world known E.Guigal Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2014 which comprises of 95% Marsanne & 5% Roussanne..

Tasting notes:

Aroma:

Elderflower, osmanthus flower, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, vanilla, caramel,mango, guava

Palate:
It has a dry sensation in terms of sweetness accompanied by a medium body with a finesse with elegance and a well rounded mouthfeel.. 

There is a prominent profile of grapefruit, vanilla, lime, mango and guava with a hint of osmanthus flower..
It has a medium plus acidity with some caramlized stone fruits like peaches and dried orange slices and also minerals..
There is also some hints of creamy and nutty texture throughout the palate with a long finish.. 

Food pairing:

White meats
Hard cheeses

John Duval Plexus MRV 2015

The 2nd wine that I want to share with you that also uses the Rhone Valley grape varietals is the John Duval Plexus MRV 2015 (Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier).

This is an interesting wine that is being produced in the Barossa region which meant that they harvest the each varietal from both Barossa & Eden Valley region.. No wonder the wine has a vast range of flavours and aroma that lead it to become a rather complex white with medium acidity, a touch of creamy texture on the palate and also a versatile wine to pair it with food!

For the vintage 2015, there was a higher proportion of the Marsanne grape being put in the blend with also Viognier and a touch of Roussanne

Tasting notes:
Aroma:
Intense aroma of stone fruit, honeysuckle, lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, jasmine, dried apricots, green apples

Palate:
It was an off dry white wine with a heavier mouthfeel on the palate
It has a medium body structure to it with a floral notes of Jasmine accompanied by a creamy and nutty texture on the palate
There was the presence of tangerine peel, dried apricots, honey, lemon, lime and grapefruit with some spices like fennel and cardamom
It has a medium acidity which was a perfect balance with the aromatics and a long finish to this wine

Food pairing:

Seafood
White meats (Chicken, turkey, pork)
Stewed lamb
Pork Empanades