Château Pégau Côtes du Rhône Blanc 'Cuvée Lône'

Château Pégau Côtes du Rhône Blanc ‘Cuvée Lône’

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Named “Lône” after the small stream that runs next to the estate, parallel to the Rhône (this term is used to describe small offshoots of the Rhône in the Provencal language).
  • From vines averaging 35 to 60 years in age planted in stony, clay-based soils. Harvested by hand.
  • Vinified in stainless steel vats, the mostly Clairette blend cuvee developed in the traditional savoir faire reveals the character of the clay soils and citrus note resulting from the presence of Ugni Blanc in the grape varieties.

Varietal Composition: 40% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc, 20% Grenache Blanc, 10% Ugni Blanc

Elaboration: The varietals were vinified together. Pressed directly, and cooled to 54ºF for 24 hours, then settled, racked and fermented (12 days) at just over 57ºC in stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation. Unoaked.

Tasting Notes: Offers aromas of acacia, nectarines and pears on the nose, with a touch of exotic fruit. Bright and well‐balanced on the palate, with a long finish.

PRESS

2017 – 92 James Suckling

2019 – 90 Wine Spectator | 91 Wine Advocate

2020 – 91 Wine Enthusiast | 90 Jeb Dunnuck

2021 – 92 James Suckling

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

In 2012, Châteauneuf-du-Pape icons Paul and Laurence Féraud purchased a 100+ acre estate in Sorgues, and renamed it Château Pégau. It is an exceptional terroir situated less than 4 miles southeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Loaded with classic Côtes du Rhône fruit and spice, the wines retain the hallmark stamp and identity of Pégau.

It consists of 148 acres and a large rundown Chateau of 10,000 square feet. The vineyards include 62 acres of Cotes du Rhone Villages and 12 acres of Cotes du Rhone, with the balance Vin de Table. Laurence bought it and rechristened it Château Pégau. For the first vintage, she and Paul learning their way, they declassified most of the Villages to Cotes du Rhone. The red Côtes du Rhône carries the name Château Pégau Cuvée Maclura. The Cotes du Rhone Villages (15% of the production) is Chateau Pégau Cuvée Setier. These are complemented by a white Cotes du Rhone, Château Pégau Cuvée Lône. The wines are emphatically not Chateauneuf-du-Pape, nor are they priced that way. However yields have been kept to the absurdly low limits permitted in Chateauneuf, and the wines have all of the density of that great Appellation.

Print Review Shelf Talker (2020 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck)