Vignerons Ardechois Uvica Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2021 (750 ml)

80% Grenache Blanc, 10% Viognier, 5% Marsanne

This is surprisingly light on its feet and refreshing. This wine benefits from a cooler terroir, being grown high up on the slopes of the mountains west of Montelimar and the Rhône river. Hand-harvested, it's fermented in cement and stainless, and presents bright pear, white flowers, and wet stone notes. Interestingly, the nose smells rich, but the palate is bright and balanced.

From a hidden corner of the Rhône Valley, the farmer-members of Vignerons Ardechois practice polyculture to maintain environmental balance. Grapes aren't their only crops: they also tend olive trees to make olive oil, fruit trees and various grain fields.

In 1967, the Vignerons Ardechois built their first winery, a shared facility where efficiency and solidarity could work hand in hand. The modern collective has training systems in place to help young farmers and winemakers learn the skills needed to work their own land. The focus is on sustainable farming methods which contribute to health of the Ardeche region, with utmost respect given to the water, air, flora and fauna.