Domaine Rostaing : La Bonnette 2023

Characteristics and tasting advice for La Bonnette 2023 from Domaine Rostaing

Tasting

Appearance

The wine reveals a pale golden hue enhanced by subtle highlights.

Nose

The nose opens with delicate floral notes of honeysuckle and stone fruits such as white peach, lifted by hints of citrus zest. With aeration, the bouquet gains in complexity, revealing aromas of ripe pear, dried herbs, verbena, along with spicy and honeyed touches, all supported by a fine mineral backbone.

Palate

On the palate, the attack is silky and precise, driven by pronounced minerality. The mid-palate becomes more generous, unfolding flavors of apricot, melon, and white peach, complemented by nuances of vanilla and exotic fruits. The overall texture is rich yet perfectly balanced by natural freshness, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by notes of citrus and passion fruit.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs beautifully with white meats or delicate fish, such as poached chicken or scallops with a citrus butter sauce. It also enhances Asian cuisine, particularly Thai dishes with aromatic herbs or lemongrass chicken, as well as goat cheese salads accompanied by summer fruits.

Serving and cellaring

To fully enjoy the "La Bonnette" 2023 cuvée, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 7 and 13°C in a classic white wine glass. Decanting is not necessary. Accessible now, this wine has a fine structure that will allow it to evolve in the cellar until around 2033.

The elegance and mineral precision of a white Condrieu wine

The estate

Founded in 1971 by René Rostaing, the Domaine Rostaing is a benchmark of the Rhône Valley. Starting with just 1.5 hectares, the estate has grown considerably over the decades, notably incorporating historic plots from iconic figures of the region. Today, Pierre Rostaing, who took over from his father in 2015, manages this estate located in Ampuis. Faithful to a classic and environmentally respectful philosophy, he continues the family legacy by producing wines of great purity, expressing the full singularity of their terroirs.

The vineyard

The "La Bonnette" cuvée comes from the Condrieu appellation, located on the right bank of the Rhône. The estate cultivates one hectare of vines there, spread across the Côte Bonnette and Sainte-Agathe parcels. South-facing and benefiting from the river’s moderating influence, this steep terraced terroir is distinguished by its soils of decomposed granite, sand, and silt. The vineyard is managed according to sustainable farming practices, without chemical fertilizers or herbicides, and the harvest is carried out by hand.

The vintage

The 2023 vintage offered very favorable climatic conditions in the region, allowing for the production of supple and appealing wines. The end of summer was marked by a rapid accumulation of sugars in early September. The grapes were harvested on August 31, capturing optimal ripeness while preserving fine natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The vinification of the "La Bonnette" 2023 cuvée is carried out exclusively with indigenous yeasts. To preserve aromatic purity and fruit freshness, the aging is conducted half in stainless steel tanks and half in oak barrels. The wine rests on its fine lees for nine to ten months, with gentle bâtonnage to maintain its natural tension.

Grape variety

100% viognier