Domaine de la Solitude – Famille Lancon – Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2024 (750ml)

Located in the heart of the appellation, in the La Solitude lieu-dit, just on the western edge of the La Crau plateau, Domaine de la Solitude has been in the Lanon family for generations (the estate was created in the 17th century). Today, the winemaking reins are in the hands of the young, yet incredibly talented Florent Lanon, who has a green thumb when it comes to growing just about anything (ask to see his greenhouse if you visit!). – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate

The Lanon family, owners of Domaine de la Solitude, descend directly from the 12th Century Barberini family of Rome. The best known of the family, Maffeo Barberini, was a papal nuncio, or diplomatic representative, in Paris from 1604 to 1606, and was made Pope in Rome under the name Pope Urban VIII. Two of his nephews became cardinals and a part of the family then settled down in Avignon. In the 1980s, brothers Michel and Jean Lanon took the future of Domaine de la Solitude in their hands, focusing attention on the vineyards.

Over the past several years, Michels son Florent Lanon has taken over the day-to-day operations of Domaine de la Solitude, continuing to make improvements while preserving the traditions of his father and uncle.

This delightful Ctes-du-Rhne blanc is from rich topsoils over clay and limestone planted in vineyards with a Mediterranean climate, mild winters, low rainfall, and hot summers. The dominant wind is Mistral making the vines healthy with air circulating throughout the vineyards. The Harvest: Manual. The grape bunches are then carefully sorted to remove any unwanted fruit. Farming is sustainable and organic.

After sorting, the grapes are gently pressed with the help of pneumatic presses. The malolactic fermentation is blocked for this wine. Aging occurs in stainless steel for a period of 8 months.

James Suckling

js91

Effusive nose of ripe melon, apricot and orange blossom. Medium-bodied with ample ripeness, but a light-footed personality with lively acidity. A cuvee based on 60% viognier.