Description
“No one… ever paid much attention to the wines of the out-of-the-way village of Sabran – until a careful, thoughtful winemaker like Rémy Klein came along.” Andrew Jefford, The New France
“Proprietor Rémy Klein is one of the most consistently top-flight winemakers among the Côtes du Rhone producers.” Robert Parker, The erobertparker.com
Rémy Klein (makes wines that proudly speak of their place, Sabran) high up in the hills with soils comprised of sand and limestone. He picks his fruit a bit earlier than most resulting in a range of fresh, highly refined Côtes du Rhône wines brimming with fruit and character. There is a purity and freshness (cooler temperature/more natural acid resulting altitude) in his wines quite distinct from many of the Côtes du Rhones produced at lower altitudes and on alluvial soils.
About this wine: Certified organic. A blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah from a single plot of old vines called Arbousiers—the name referencing a native fruit tree that abounds in central France. The poise and finesse of this finely balanced wine are far removed from the weighty tannins and high extraction levels that characterise many old-vine Rhône blends. At an average altitude of 270 metres, Réméjeanne can get perfectly ripe Grenache and Syrah while retaining the energy and refreshing acidity we seldom see in the Southern Rhône.
Naturally fermented and raised (without sulphur) in both concrete tank (Syrah) and large oak casks (Grenache), this lively and sweetly perfumed bottling is emblematic of the quality Olivier Klein is achieving in both vineyard and cellar. The Grenache is vinified in whole bunches and the Syrah destemmed, with a 15-day maceration, before the blend is raised for 18 months in large oak foudres and bottled unfiltered and unfined. Deep ruby in colour, it opens with a lift of blood orange and dried flowers, the elegant, lively palate echoing that same floral character alongside a scatter of red fruits, all held together by lithe tannins and great acidity. It’s another exciting and effortlessly poised Côtes du Rhône from this domaine.
