2021 Field of the Bee
- Retail
- £17.50
- Member
- £14.00
- Case
- £105.00
- Case (Member)
- £84.00
- Varieties
- Grenache Gris
- Grenache Blanc
- Vintage
- 2021
- Country
- France
- Region
- Roussillon
- Alcohol
- 13%
- Bottle size
- 750 mL
- Drinking Window
- 2022 - 2026
- Description
Our delicious white is made from several parcels of ancient vines belonging to Jean-Marc, some of them over 100 years old.
These grapes – local heroes Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc (with a little bit of Roussanne) produce a wonderfully soft, likeable white.
- Eyes
A refreshing greenish gold.
- Nose
Very enticing, and quite expressive, with notes of white peach and pears.
- Mouth
A dry wine, but also very soft and approachable, this rich, flavourful white has some of the zing of Sauvignon, but gentler, and richer, with a faint saltiness and a refreshing lick of crushed rocks.
- Body
medium
- Winemaking Notes
The grapes that go into this wine come from vineyards belonging to Jean-Marc Lafage (hence it is bottled under the 'Field of the Bee' label, rather than as 'Domaine of the Bee' (which would need to come 100% from our own vineyards). Some of Jean-Marc's vines are over 100 years old, and produce fabulously intense grapes which need careful vinification at cool temperatures, with 20% of the wine aged in barrel for 4 months.
- Growing Conditions
An EXTREMELY cold January, with rare snow lying on the ground (briefly) marked the start of a year that was incredibly dry. Very low rainfall in a cool spring, and then a nice mini heatwave in June, but still very little rain. Two more heat spikes in mid July and late August, followed by September rains which finally allowed the vines a little moisture, and helped to swell the thick-skinned grapes. Most of the vineyards for our white and rosé were harvested before the rain, and most of our reds in a dry spell after the rainy spells. A good year for white and pinks, and a GREAT year for reds.
- Food Pairing
Lovely with summer salads, chicken, grilled pork and rich seafood dishes or just some salted almonds and charcuterie.
Reviews
Matthew Jukes
Matthewjukes.com - Professional
https://www.matthewjukes.com/2022/08/wednesday-wines-episode-124-domaine-of-the-bee/This spectacular Grenache Gris / Grenache Blanc blend features fruit drawn from 100-year-old vines in the mix, and this adds immeasurably to the class and depth of flavour on display. What I find so enticing here is the balance. This white wine could so easily tip over into being a weighty, lusty main course style. Yet, the balance is pinpoint accurate with a supple chassis and invigorating freshness throughout. Clean, lithe and deliciously raspy with hints of honeysuckle and melon and green apple skin bite, this is a consummate dinner party wine with such a broad repertoire of talents it could conceivably be served as an aperitif. But don’t stop there because it could then continue through multiple, diverse starter and main course dishes given its panoply of fruit and mineral tones coupled with its bracing acidity and heroic length.
David Williams
The Guardian - Professional
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/jun/26/get-acquainted-with-grenache-blancthey also do very good things with grenache noir’s white (and grey-ish pink) cousins: grenache blanc and grenache gris in the drowsily honey, honeysuckle, and peach-scented high-summer cuvee of Field of the Bee.
Comments
No one has given their opinion yet.
Let us know what you think