Big Buzz' Grenache Blanc Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Caves Fonjoya 2023

Description

A young and dynamic company, Caves Fonjoya was established in 2018 and takes its name from the Languedoc patois; Font meaning fountain and Joia referring to joy. Representing a mosaic of terroirs in the Languedoc appellations, this vibrant cooperative brings together a group of enterprising vine growers and winemakers who are united in their commitment to the protection of the terroir by using sustainable practices. Indeed, the Big Buzz range was born out of the ‘big buzz’ surrounding sustainability; the en-vogue topic of the moment. This vibrant duo of Big Buzz wines, a Grenache Blanc and Grenache Noir, come from the stunning IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and both wines beautifully showcase the terroir with their purity of fruit.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is steeped in history and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vineyards are nestled in the foothills of the Séranne and Mont Saint-Baudille, where they are planted alongside the olive trees. The climate is Mediterranean, hot and dry with the gentle influence of maritime breezes blowing in from the Mediterranean Sea having a tempering effect. The soils are clay-limestone, with the clay component offering good water retention properties to help hydrate the vines through the long, dry summers, and the limestone component imparting elegance to the wines. The vines are sustainably cultivated, with butterfly sexual confusion being employed instead of insecticides. The vines are harvested in the cool of the night, to preserve aromatics and the freshness in the grapes.

The grapes were destemmed and cool macerated in the press, followed by staticsettling at 8°C for 48 hours. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in concrete tanks at controlled temperatures of 16°C. The wine was aged on its fine lees for fourmonths, with weekly bâtonnage to impart layers of texture. The cuvée was madewithout the influence of oak, to retain the freshness and purity of fruit.

A refreshing and textured Grenache Blanc, with citrus flavours layered with aromatic herbal notes of thyme, rosemary and a hint of spice on the finish.