Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine de Thalabert Mule Blanche 2022

Tasting characteristics and advice for Domaine de Thalabert "Mule Blanche" 2022 by Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a bright pale yellow hue with silvery highlights.

Nose

The bouquet opens discreetly with floral and peach notes, accompanied by subtle touches from aging.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals fine breadth and a flavorful texture, carried by aromas of white-fleshed fruit. The finish stands out with lemon zest and a mineral touch.

Food and wine pairings

This Crozes-Hermitage white is an ideal match for delicate fish such as trout meunière with almonds or a monkfish blanquette, as well as shellfish and crustaceans, scallops, frog legs, escargots, semi-cooked foie gras, sweetbreads in cream sauce, poultry, and vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as an aperitif by lovers of great white wines.

Serving and cellaring

Domaine de Thalabert "Mule Blanche" 2022 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 14°C.

A broad and mineral Crozes-Hermitage white from the appellation’s oldest vineyard

The estate

Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain-l'Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House has established itself as a benchmark of the Rhône Valley. Acquired in 2006 by the Frey family, it is now led by Caroline Frey, an oenologist and winegrower. The estate farms 105 hectares across the most prestigious Rhône terroirs. Certified organic, Paul Jaboulet-Aîné perpetuates its excellence through exceptional wines.

The vineyard

Domaine de Thalabert is the oldest vineyard in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, owned by the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House since 1834. This cuvée comes from a vineyard planted on the lower pebble terraces over clay-limestone soils. The vines, planted between 1956 and 1974, have an average age of 60 years, enabling very low yields in favor of outstanding quality. The vineyard is farmed under certified organic viticulture. The name "Mule Blanche" pays tribute to the mules and hinnies that once worked these plots before mechanization, these draft animals being reputedly more resilient than horses.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage is characterized by particularly dry conditions. It ranks among the three earliest harvests of the last twenty years in the Rhône Valley. Harvesting took place from August 17 to 27 under optimal conditions.

Vinification and aging

Grapes for Domaine de Thalabert "Mule Blanche" 2022 are harvested by hand, with strict sorting in the vineyard and placed in small 12 kg crates. The grapes are pressed as whole clusters. Fermentation takes place in concrete eggs and oak barrels, with 5% new oak. Aging continues on fine lees in the same vessels, with regular bâtonnage for 9 months. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, thereby preserving its natural freshness.

Grape varieties

Marsanne (95%), Roussanne (5%).