Carignan Blanc Vin de France 2022 75cl

Another delicious expression from Terres Fidèles, Camí del Drac (The path of the Dragon), was born from the local myth of the region, Roussillon, named after the dragon who was said to live in the region, now immortalised in a natural rock formation at the top of Crête de Serrabonne. This new range is an homage to the wild region dripping with history. Nestled in between the Mediterranean Sea and three mountain ranges, the Pyrénées, the Corbières and the Albères. Alongside the dramatic ranges, the plains have three rivers threading through them, the Agly, the Tech and the Têt. The influence of the water adds to the natural complexity of the area with a variety of terrains and altitudes with micro-climates of their own. The area is small, with a short distance from the highest vineyards to the narrow terraces on cliff faces over to the sea in Collioure. The vineyard for the Carignan Blanc is at the village of Tarerach, on granite sand soils, beneath the peaks of the Pyrénnées and the plains of the Vallée de le Têt, at 550m altitude. The grapes are hand-picked more than a month later than the other white varieties in the Roussillon, in the latter half of September. A long and slow fermentation follows next, at 18-20®. Lengthy time spent in Lees comes next, with stirring and once the malolactic fermentation is complete, it is bottled unfined. The result is a colourful and floral with a feisty kick of citrus. Combined with this summery flavour, there is a savoury note of herbal teas and a clean, mineral finish. This wine matches perfect with light dishes, fresh seafood and salads or veggie pasta.