Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert Mule Blanche 2022
Discreet aromas open with floral and peach notes. Ample and generous on the palate, with notes of ripe pear and a lemon-peel finish underpinned by refreshing minerality.
The Crozes-Hermitage vineyard is the largest of the northern Rhône Valley appellations. It extends over 11 communes in the Drôme, on the left bank of the Rhône. This wine comes from estate parcels in the ‘Conflans’ area, one of the best terroirs in the appellation. The name of the cuvée comes from the draught animals that used to work these plots. These old vines, planted at high density, required the work of a mule, which was finer, more agile and resistant than the traditional horse. These mules shaped the vines and left their mark on this delicate, elegant wine. The vines were planted between 1956 and 1974 and cover a seven-hectare plot. Situated at an altitude of 140 metres, they are planted at a density of 5,000 vines per hectare and are mostly north-south facing rows. The entire vineyard is certified organic and cultivated with respect for the soil and the living ecosystem. Viticulture is viewed as a long-term endeavour, a continuous quest aimed at regenerating the environmental sphere, thus providing the means for terroir-driven fine wines to shine. Manually harvested.
The grapes were sorted by plot before being gently whole-bunch pressed. After settling, fermentation took place in concrete eggs and French oak barrels, 5% of which were new. The wine was aged on the fine lees in the same containers.
Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné was founded in 1834 and cultivates the iconic terroirs form the northern Rhône Valley across seven appellations. Family owned by the Frey family since 2006, talented winemaker Caroline Frey and her team implement heroic viticulture techniques on the unique, heritage landscapes. Following a long tradition in preserving and working the land, the Frey family are pioneers in biodiversity, with a ninehectare wildlife reserve and ecosystem preservation efforts. Since 2016, the vineyards have been certified AB organic and since 2021 the entire vineyard has been cultivated biodynamically and with a regenerative approach. The variety of soils and multitude of terroirs shape the distinctive character of their wines. Caroline is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines following a philosophy that when the grape varieties are in perfect harmony with the terroir, they reveal their finest expression. These are exquisite wines which beautifully reflect the nuances of their origins.
