Les Cailloux Dorés 2011

Le Chai is the centre of our French winemaking. This grand 19th century cellar is situated on the banks of the Dordogne in Castillon, but resident winemaker Mark searches out the grapes from all over the country. He is particularly attached to the Languedoc Roussillon and for this glorious white he trekked to the Montagne Noire foothills, close to Carcassonne. He chose three parcels of the finest grapes, harvested at night (to help preserve freshness), then took the chilled juice to Le Chai. With one vat fermented in stainless steel (for the full fruity style), another in new French oak (just 20%) for spice and the last portion (30%) in older wood, he obtained a perfect harmony of fruit and toasty vanilla. Great with salmon or chicken.