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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Château La Canorgue Cepage Viognier

                                            DOMBEK photo © 2012

Château La Canorgue 2010
Vaucluse Cepage Viognier
Vin de Pays de Mediterranee, France

100% Viognier

Light lemon chiffon in color, this wine is slate/clean with apricot, lychee fruit and floral aromas on the nose.  Honeysuckle and apricot continue on the palate with subtle honey overtones for a lovely, voluptuous mouth feel, while a distinct minerality comes through when chilled.  Medium dry, this is lean for a Viognier and I love that!  Pretty, even feminine, enjoy simply as an aperitif while sitting in your summer garden or with light fare.  Seriously affordable @ $14.99/bottle.  Happy Summer!

Viognier is best known as the white grape varietal from the northern Rhone Valley in the appellation of Condrieu which typically produces lush, complex, rare wines.  This Viognier comes from the Southern Luberon region between Aix-en Provence and Avignon.  While there’s plenty going on with this wine, it is easily quaffable!  Fermented and aged in stainless steel “sur lies” (on the lies) makes for full aromas and flavors along with a dry clean finish.  This is also organic and bio-dynamic, which means it was made without chemicals & pesticides using only natural and local soil amendments, and in concert with nature’s cycles (simply put).

The Margan family’s property, Château  La Canorgue, where this wine comes from is built on the former site of an ancient Roman villa.  “Subterranean canals built by the Romans still bring water to La Canorgue.  In fact, near an old chapel on the property are fountains surrounded by Neptune and his dolphins, creating an atmosphere of harmony and beauty.” 

This wine comes to us from Chartrand Imports, who seek out beautiful wines that are also organic and/or biodynamic.  Rockland-based, Paul Chartrand sells more than 150 organic wines nationally and more than 60 in stores state-wide.  He also helped establish Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in the 1970’s.  His wines are distributed here in Maine by Pine State Beverage Co.   The Canorgue Viognier may be found in Greater Portland area at Rosemont Markets, Royal River Natural Foods in Yarmouth and Tully’s in Wells. Midcoast it is available at the Damariscotta River Grill.


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