Jean-Baptiste Souillard, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc "Le Tout" Northern Rhône, France 2022

100% Marsanne

Vines planted in the late 1930s. This wine is from the northern limits of Crozes, on a gentle south-facing slope, deep, silty soil over a limestone bedrock, surrounded by apricot trees.

Aged for 13-18 months used barrels, fining or filtration only if necessary, SO2 added during vinification and adjusted after if needed.

Jean-Baptiste’s wines are like nothing else from the Northern Rhône. His two whites, courtesy of granite, of higher altitude, and of Jean-Baptiste’s tendency to pick just before they over-ripen, are incredibly fresh. They are floral rather than rich and honeyed. And on the palate, for these varieties and this region, they have unusual coolness and minerality.