
Gascogny is a wine sub region in South West France, which is divded between Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees. The Southwest wine region covers several areas that produce excellent wines near the region of Bordeaux, which is farther inland. This could be one of the reasons that South West wines have such distinctive flavors. Some describe the vineyards as, “Islands,” although they do not connect. South West wine grapes make use of the upstream rivers, Dordogne and Garonne, as well as their tributaries. This is the same for the Northern Basque Country and the area of Gascony including Bearn. Armagnac is in Gascony and produces brandy. The soil is alluvial mixed with sand and clay. With its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, although it is farther away behind Les Landes, Gascogny enjoys wet and sunny springs making it perfect for grape growing. Wines are usually purchased by the sub regions, and not the name. People tend to forgo the label, just to buy wine from a particular sub region such as Gascony. Tannat, Gros Mensang, and Petit Mensang grape varietals are grown in South West France.
Salette Cotes de Gascogne Blanc is made from 80% Colombard, 10% Ugni Blanc and 10% Gros Manseng.
Fresh, clean and lively with intense exotic fruit aromas. Crisp, clean and zesty in the mouth, it offers delicate flavors of citrus fruit and grapefruit, and a long lingering finish.
Enjoy as an aperitif or with grilled fish, shellfish and appetizers.
2021 Rossj-Bass displays the main features of the vintage well, with intense fruit concentration and floral notes. The nose shows ripe citrus notes of lemon peel and orange evolving into tropical fruits. The richness of the nose and the same notes are reflected on the palate, where remarkable acidity balances the fruit concentration. The wine is rich, full-bodied and creamy, with a long finish.
Review:
The 2021 Gaja Rossj-Bass starts off with very, crisp, green fruit and much more Sauvignon Blanc dominant aromas of grassy, bright, fragrant green apple and green pepper - all very bright and cheerful. Then Chardonnay seems to take over in the medium-full bodied and pleasing creamy texture of the wine. This is balanced again by the tangy, juicy acidity of Sauvignon. This is very elegant blend of Sauvignon Blanc aromas and zestiness and the textural comfort of Chardonnay. The name Rossj is a nickname of Angelo Gaja’s second daughter, Rossanna.
-Wine Independent 94 Points
Trione Pinot Noir River Road Ranch is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
River Road Ranch encompasses 115 acres in the heart of the Russian River Valley appellation. Located on the western bench of the Santa Rosa Plain, the vineyard thrives in well-drained soils. The region's fog-cooled nights are ideal for this varietal.
This Pinot Noir presents aromas of dark cherry, exotic spice, green tea and a slight earthiness we call forest floor. The wine is silky on the palate, beautifully balanced, with a long finish. The Pinot Noir's firm structure suggests excellent aging potential, 10-15 years.
We made this Pinot Noir in small lots, using traditional techniques —fermenting in open-top tanks and hand-plunging the caps during primary fermentation. To accentuate the outstanding fruit flavors, we added 20% whole clusters to the each fermenter. The Pinot Noir aged twelve months in French oak barrels (40% new) from coopers Meyrieux Traditional House and Remond.