Renowned for its exceptional value for money (included recently in the famous Wall Street Journal), La Vieille Ferme Blanc is the archetype of Rhône whites. Fruity, crisp and soft with great body. A wonderful “enjoyment” wine!
Presentation
Presentation
If you enjoy quaffable wines, this one is ideal as an aperitif or paired with a simple meal
The vintage
The 2014 vintage reflects a surprising year for the region. It is characterized by a mild, wet winter, hot, dry spring followed by a temperate and humid summer. This can only be classifed as an atypical year, a year for the winemaker. Work and supervision in the vineyards was mandatory until through to harvest. The slow ripening of the grapes and long macceration of the skins during vinification have resulted in aromatic wines, only to be describded as fresh and fine. The white wines are pretty, fruity and expressive with great minerality.
Location
Mainly within the Parc Regional du Luberon, which is equidistant from Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Manosque.
The average altitude of the vineyards is 300 metres/1000 feet above sea-level, and the grapes are harvested relatively late.
The average altitude of the vineyards is 300 metres/1000 feet above sea-level, and the grapes are harvested relatively late.
Terroir
Old alluvial deposits of round and flat stones, calcareous marl and patches of clay created by alluvial alpine flows.
Ageing
The grapes are lightly crushed, then pressed in a pneumatic press, prior to clarification of the must and cool fermentation.
This takes place in vats for 90% of the blend, with 10% fermented in new oak barrels with lees-stirring.
This takes place in vats for 90% of the blend, with 10% fermented in new oak barrels with lees-stirring.
Varietals
Bourboulenc
Grenache blanc
Roussanne
Ugni blanc
Vermentino
Grenache blanc
Roussanne
Ugni blanc
Vermentino
Advice
Serving
8°C with a starter or a cold buffet
Tasting
Colour: bright yellow with tints of green.
Nose: green fruit, wheat, hazelnuts.
Mouth: soft, delicate, aromatic
Nose: green fruit, wheat, hazelnuts.
Mouth: soft, delicate, aromatic
Reviews
"The Perrin family, owners of the famed southern Rhône estate of Château Beaucastel in the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, crafts this easy-drinking, perennial favorite. The fruit comes from vineyards surrounding Mt. Ventoux in Provence.
The region's arid, rolling terrain and lavender-scented landscapes provide a perfect terroir for the b ourboulenc, grenache blanc, ugni blanc and vermentino grapes used in the blend. Ninety percent of the fruit ferments in stainless-steel tanks to preserve freshness, while the remaining 10 percent is fermented in oak barrels to add rich creaminess along with complex aromas.
Peach and honeysuckle aromas open to ripe peach and melon flavors with light citrus and toasty notes. Fresh acidity frames the fruity, yet dry, finish. Keep a bottle chilled in the fridge for a delightful after-work aperitif. Highly recommended."
The region's arid, rolling terrain and lavender-scented landscapes provide a perfect terroir for the b ourboulenc, grenache blanc, ugni blanc and vermentino grapes used in the blend. Ninety percent of the fruit ferments in stainless-steel tanks to preserve freshness, while the remaining 10 percent is fermented in oak barrels to add rich creaminess along with complex aromas.
Peach and honeysuckle aromas open to ripe peach and melon flavors with light citrus and toasty notes. Fresh acidity frames the fruity, yet dry, finish. Keep a bottle chilled in the fridge for a delightful after-work aperitif. Highly recommended."
"This is a very clever white wine, weaving together the ragtag quartet of grapes – Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc and Vermentino into a triumphant elixir. There is even a dash of spiciness coming from the use of around 10% of new oak barrels. The palate is silky and fruit-driven with a kiss of crunchy acidity on the finish – it’s another fiendish bargain." [+]
"Very good value in a fresh, young white that offers charm, delicacy and sheer drinkability. There is no overt personality, with blended southern French varieties like Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino combining to create vague melon/pear fruit. But there is also lemon blossom and some sense of wet stone. Ten percent was barrel fermented but there is scant wood effect, perhaps vague spice. It's medium weight, nicely balanced, fairly smooth with a dry lemony, nutty and fennel finish. The length is very good. Stock by the case, but it does not need ageing."
