Maison Ventenac - Carole 2023
North of Carcassonne, Maison Ventenac thrives on the cool slopes of Cabardès. Precisely managed vines, harvests during the cool hours of the day, and clean vinifications produce straightforward, luminous whites, marked by chalk and the freshness of the Atlantic winds.
Carole 2023 is a Chardonnay cuvée from limestone plots selected for their slow ripening. Gentle pressing of whole bunches, gravity settling, low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel vats. Short aging on fine lees to gain silkiness without marking the wine. Early bottling to preserve varietal brilliance. Dry wine.
The nose opens with ripe lemon, pear, and white peach, with notes of hawthorn and a hint of chalk. The palate is slender and clean, with a lively attack followed by a savory mid-palate of zesty citrus and crisp apple. The texture, delicately enveloped by the aging on lees, retains its nerve. The finish is long, straight, saline, with a fine bark bitterness that indicates the limestone.
At the table, serve Carole 2023 as an aperitif, with oysters, sea bass ceviche, sushi, sea bream tartare, grilled fish, lemon-thyme roasted poultry, or fresh goat cheese. Ideal temperature 9 to 11°C in a tulip glass. Open fifteen minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately over two to four years.
Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay
