Domaine de Millet 2010

 Domaine de Millet 2010

Côtes de Gascogne  

Liquid Sunshine

Summer Fridge Stocker

When it comes to white wine to sip, ice cold, on a hot day, I love something that is dry, crisp, full of fresh fruits with a good balance of acidity. Two years ago, when I was in France, I stumbled on a "little" white while having lunch in Provence. The wine paired with my Salade Niçoise perfectly, as did the warm Provence sun! An unexpected find that was both exciting and promising-- this was a must for the Corkscrew. Now to find out how to get it... 

The Domaine

The domaine today has 50 hectares of vines dedicated to the production of Domaine de Millet. The vines enjoy a north-westerly position on the green hills, where the soil alternates between clay limestone and the sandy soils known as 'sables fauves'. Francis Dèche, the fifth-generation proprietor, has a policy of quality: traditional grape varieties, vineyard cultivation with respect to the environment, and constant development in the methods and means of vinification. With his daughter Laurence, who joined him in 1999, they sell a full and varied range of wines that are just waiting to be discovered!

The Wine

Harvested and destemmed at the same time, the grapes are drained into tanks that are hermetically protected from the harmful effects of oxygen. The fresh grape juice is stabilized in cold temperatures for 6 days, which allows the aromas in the grapes to fully express themselves while in turn slightly reducing the acidity. The fermentation takes place under strict temperature control over two weeks. The two varieties are vinified separately before being blended, and the wine is bottled early, as soon as it displays its full potential of freshness and elegance.