Vinous, textural, white 'Cru Classé' from Provence.

This vintage shows a delightful, fresh, pronounced herbaceous character on the nose followed by fennel and thyme, citrus flesh and a lovely lift. Elegant and medium bodied with a gentle creaminess and a pleasing acidic textural element. Classy with a long finish.

Named after the 'Real Mauresque' river which runs through the Domaine, this forward-thinking winery is one of the select group of Côtes de Provence vineyards awarded Cru Classé status in 1955. This classification mirrors that of the great Bordeaux châteaux and is based upon the quality of the wines and the heritage of the properties.

Winemaker Pierre Duffort produces a collection of elegant and characterful wines from 57 hectares of prime vineyards. The vines have an average age of 40 years (the oldest being planted in 1930), and they are planted on three very diverse terroirs (schist, pink sandstone and galets roulés).

Within the appellation, the micro climate at Rimauresq is unique. Just 35km from the coast, at an altitude of between 140 to 190 metres, the north-west oriented vineyards lie in the foothills of the Maures Massif and benefit from the cooling Mistral winds. Shade from the harsh Mediterranean sun is provided by the Notre Dame des Anges mountain, allowing a longer ripening period and better fruit development in the crucial weeks prior to harvest. Nine noble grape varieties are found at Rimauresq: Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan for the reds, Rolle (Vermentino) and Ugni Blanc for the whites and Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Tibouren for the rosés and Rimauresq all of which undergo parcel selection. Only the best fruit from the sustainably managed vineyards (currently in conversion to organic viticulture) is kept to make the Domaine's wines. This dedicated approach, combined with a modern gravity fed winery, allows Pierre Duffort and his team to focus on producing the very best examples of wines across the Provence styles. As in many of the best Provençale vineyards rosé dominates, but stunning whites and reds are also crafted here.

The exceptional terroir of this renowned estate is recognised through its Cru Classé status and results in wines of elegance and complexity with long-term cellaring potential. The estate encompasses 57 hectares of prime vineyards with an average vine age of 40 years. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 140 - 190 metres, situated on the harsh mineral soils at the foothills of the Maures Massif.The vines benefit from the Mistral winds, but are protected by the sheltering effects of the mountain from the harsh Mediterranean sun. It is this shade that allows a longer ripening period and better fruit development in the crucial weeks prior to harvest. Only organic fertilisers are used. The terroir itself is of crystalline rock with sand and gravelly soil. It is this diversity that allows Rimauresq to excel in all three colours of wine. Replacement planting is ensuring an increased vine density of up to 5,000 vines per hectare in an ongoing drive to improve quality.A combination of mechanical and manual fruit harvesting is carried out during the early morning to benefit from the cool night time temperatures. Bunches are then crushed and de-stemmed at the modern and gravity-fed winery before the grapes undergo cold maceration on their skins for several hours prior to fermentation at a low temperature. Grapes are pressed and the free run juice separated prior to fermentation at a low temperature for two to three weeks. After fermentation, the wine is left on its lees for three weeks with regular 'batonnage', improving the aromas. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation to preserve its acidity.

A fabulous partner to seafood, spicy Thai dishes and tempura.