Region
Roussillon has a Mediterranean climate resulting in warm and sunny days, with strong tramontane wind, making ideal growing conditions for grapes and allows a high proportion of organic wines to be made here. The Côtes de Roussillon AOC covers the wider are and produces only dry red, white and rosé . Dominated by the Pyrenees, vineyards are planted on lower slopes of steep hillsides of limestone, schist and granite. Historically trained as bush vines with work done by hand which, although some are using trellising today, is still the common practice. The dominant grapes are Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah and wines must be made as a blend. The Côtes de Roussillon Villages AOC covers a much smaller area for red wines only and plantings on slightly higher slopes resulting in more acidity and concentration.
 
Producer
Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, this important estate of around one hundred hectares is now the property of the Dauré family. Located in the heart of the Agly Valley, Château de Jau pioneered wine tourism creating the first wine-grower restaurant and a contemporary art space. A small road to the estate winds through a Mediterranean setting where olive trees, cypresses and vines share the land, showing how picturesque Roussillon is. Climatic conditions are perfect, the sunshine allows the schistose marls to store the heat during the day and to restore it to the grapes at night and the Mediterranean Sea which tempers the summer heat and the tramontana wind which blows all year round, gives a cooling influence.
 
Tasting Notes
This wine is bright, golden yellow on appearance. Stone fruit aromas of apricot and peach combine with a delicate floral touch. This wine bursts with freshness with great acidity mixed with saline notes, which express the minerality of the wine. An overall quaffable, delicious and food-friendly white wine that will transport you to the Mediterranean.
 
Food
 
A fresh wine that pairs well with sea food such as pan-seared sea bass and seafood risotto but would also complement a creamy poultry dish or stirfry vegetables..