# Le Jardin (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine Le Vieux Mûrier
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Marsanne, Roussanne
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, lemon, blossom, butter, toast, vanilla, honey, almond

## About this wine

Crafted by the talented young winemaker Florian Buit, 'Le Jardin' is a remarkable expression of Crozes-Hermitage from Domaine Le Vieux Mûrier. Florian represents the fourth generation of an agricultural family in Larnage, historically known for stone fruits, who chose to dedicate himself entirely to viticulture. This wine is born from the 'Le Peizon' parcel in Larnage, characterized by unique clay-retaining loess soils. Notably, because Buit's own winery was under construction during this period, the 2022 vintage was vinified and bottled at the legendary cellars of Jean-Louis Chave in Mauves, where Florian served as cellar master. This prestigious mentorship and exceptional terroir yield a white Rhône of rare pedigree and limited production.

## Interesting facts

- The 2022 vintage was vinified and bottled at the legendary cellars of Jean-Louis Chave, where winemaker Florian Buit was the cellar master.
- The vines are planted on rare loess soils in Larnage, where the clay content acts as a sponge to retain water during hot, dry vintages.
- Florian Buit's family historically farmed apricots, cherries, and almonds before he transitioned the estate to focus entirely on wine.
- To combat soil erosion on the steep loess slopes, the estate practices permanent grass-sowing on alternating vine rows.

## Food pairing

This rich, textured white wine demands dishes with moderate weight and creamy or buttery elements to match its medium-plus body and oily roundness. The vibrant acidity of the Marsanne-Roussanne blend cuts through rich proteins like poultry and fatty fish, while its subtle phenolic bitterness and mineral drive pair beautifully with earthy mushrooms and aged, nutty cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes, consisting of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, are harvested early to preserve freshness. Following a coarse settling (débourbage grossier), fermentation begins natively in stainless steel tanks. Once the density reaches 1070, the fermenting juice is transferred to traditional Burgundy oak barrels (pièces). The wine is then aged for one year on its total lees in these barrels without racking. To build texture and complexity, two to three manual stirrings (bâtonnages) are performed before the completion of malolactic fermentation.