Domaine Gavoty : Grand Classique 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for Grand Classique 2021 blanc from Domaine Gavoty 2021

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a pale yellow hue with green highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals a fragrant bouquet with aromas of white-fleshed fruit, notably pear and pineapple, complemented by notes of white flowers and honeyed nuances.

Palate

On the palate, this dry white wine displays a modest structure in its youth, with refreshing vibrancy. Over time, the texture gains breadth and flesh, leading to a lingering finish.

Food and wine pairings

This Provence white wine pairs perfectly with grilled seafood, poached or grilled fish, as well as poultry. After a few years of cellaring, it also complements richer dishes such as fish in a creamy sauce.

Serving and cellaring

Domaine Gavoty 2021 can be enjoyed now or cellared to develop further complexity. This wine boasts remarkable aging potential of up to around ten years.

An exceptional age-worthy dry white wine from Côtes de Provence

The estate

Founded in 1806 by Philémon Gavoty, Domaine Gavoty is a family-owned estate located in the village of Cabasse, in Provence. Today, Roselyne Gavoty, the family’s eighth generation, has been running the estate since 1985 alongside her husband Hervé. The vineyard spans 50 hectares within a 110-hectare property that includes oak and pine forests. Certified organic since 2020, the estate is renowned for its complex, gastronomic rosé, white, and red wines. In particular, the Gavoty family introduced the rolle grape variety into the Côtes de Provence appellation during the 1970s, reflecting its pioneering spirit.

The vineyard

This dry white wine comes from vines in the Côtes de Provence appellation, on the Triassic plateau characterized by clay-limestone soils rich in limestone and clay. The oldest vines, planted in the early 1960s, benefit from a continental Mediterranean climate marked by significant temperature swings between day and night. The vineyard is surrounded by forests that act as a climatic regulator and protect the plots from weather extremes. The Issole River, which borders the property, also helps to moderate temperatures. The deep soils feature porous dolomitic limestones, promoting excellent water management.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly challenging in Provence. After a wet winter and a dry spring, unusually mild temperatures in late March and early April led to early budbreak. A severe frost on April 8, with temperatures dropping to as low as -7.4°C, destroyed a significant portion of the primary buds, notably on grenache. The vines produced secondary clusters which, benefiting from a shorter ripening period, yielded small berries with high acidity and moderate sugar levels—traits particularly favorable for crafting fresh, mineral-driven white wines.

Winemaking and aging

At Domaine Gavoty 2021, the grapes are destemmed and then pressed directly without skin maceration in order to preserve aromatic finesse. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at a maximum temperature of 16°C for around four weeks. This low-temperature vinification helps preserve delicate aromatic compounds. The wine is then aged on fine lees, thereby developing complexity and texture.

Grape variety

100% rolle (also known as vermentino)