Paradoxe, Blanc de Noirs
Remaining true to its ability to reinvent itself and innovate, Rhonéa once again proves this year that it is a major player in the Rhone Valley, attentive to consumer trends and demands.
What’s new for 2024?
The Blanc de Noirs by Rhonéa
For several years, white wine has been the preferred wine color for consumers, ahead of rosé and red. And while the Rhone Valley has fantastic terroirs and grape varieties for white wines, our vineyards have historically been primarily focused on red wine production. Considering that it takes between 5 and 10 years for a vine to produce quality wines, we have thought about a way to produce white wines without having to wait as long. It is from this reflection that the idea of creating a “Blanc de Noirs” was born.
But what exactly is a Blanc de Noirs ?
It is a white wine produced from exclusively black grapes. Champagne has been doing this for a long time but primarily for sparkling wines. Both the winemakers’ team and the marketing department decided to take on the challenge!
To produce this wine, real expertise and mastery are required not only in the vineyard but also in winemaking. Alexis, Cellar Master in Beaumes de Venise, explains the process: “First of all, the grapes that arrive in the cellar must be in impeccable sanitary condition and harvested at optimal ripeness. Then, the free-run juice must be collected, and a very gentle whole-cluster pressing is performed. This step requires great precision to avoid extracting the color present in the seeds and skin. The increase in pressure must be done in stages, very gently.
The presses, often colored, are removed to be used in another winemaking process, such as for rosés. Cold settling on lees is carried out to enhance the aromatic intensity and finesse of the wine. The rest of the winemaking process then proceeds as for a classic white wine, with clarification, alcoholic fermentation in liquid phase at controlled temperatures, and aging in concrete tanks.”
An aromatic and visual innovation that redefines standards
The interest in producing a Blanc de Noirs is not only to better meet the growing demand for white wines from our customers but also to create a genuine surprise with an innovative product. Indeed, the aromatic palette of this wine, featuring exotic fruits and white fruits, is enriched with aromas more typical of red wine, such as fresh and crisp red berries. New horizons for consumption and food & wine pairings are opening up! “The result is astonishing,” says Alexis. “The color is superb, a brilliant golden yellow with some green reflections. At first sight, no one can imagine that there is Caladoc, Cinsault, and Grenache in the glass! On the nose, one is intrigued by the notes of exotic fruits but also red berries. The palate is full, indulgent, with a beautiful acidity. It was a real challenge to produce because it is a delicate wine that requires great technical skill. We are very proud of the finished product!”
Alexis Valette, Cellar Master in Beaumes-de-Venise
