The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Garennes” from Domaine Les Alexandrins is a white Rhône blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, that sways between elegance and exuberance like a guest at a wedding who’s had just the right amount of champagne.
Nicolas Jaboulet, Guillaume Sorrel and Alexandre Caso showcase treasures, very often forgotten vines or old vines on exceptional terroirs, to achieve the best expression of the appellation. In their minds, the estate must produce wines in the pure tradition of Crozes-Hermitage Saint-Joseph appellations.
The work in the vineyard is done in the old-fashioned way, respecting the terroir. Soils are worked in a way to bring biodiversity back to life and give the best to the grapes. Some hundred-year-old vines on our Crozes Hermitage plots withstand time and are still capable of giving their best expression.
Every year, Domaine Les Alexandrins focusses its expertise in viticulture and in the cellars to offer two great classic wines.
The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Garennes” from Domaine Les Alexandrins – is not just a wine; it’s an event for your taste buds, a symphony conducted by a very charismatic orchestra. Picture a smooth jazz band where the saxophone player is a ripe peach, the drummer is a zesty lemon, and the pianist, oh yes, is a suave pear wearing a smoking jacket.
The wine opens with a delicate aroma of white flowers, like a stroll through a garden just after a rain, where the air is heavy with the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle, making you think, “Hey, maybe I should wear a floral crown today.”
As you take the first sip, you are greeted with a luscious wave of ripe stone fruits – imagine biting into a perfectly juicy apricot while simultaneously being serenaded by a choir of mirabelle plums. The mid-palate brings in a hint of almond and a kiss of honey, as if the wine suddenly remembered it was supposed to flirt with you. But don’t get too comfortable, because a crisp minerality sneaks in like a playful jab from your wittiest friend, keeping the whole experience lively and fresh.
The finish is long and graceful, like the exit of a grand dame who knows she’s left quite an impression. A touch of lemon zest lingers, leaving your mouth watering and your mind already planning the next rendezvous with this captivating bottle.
The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Garennes” is like a star in its prime, ready to shine right now but with the charisma to keep captivating audiences for a few more years. This wine has a solid aging potential of about 5 to 7 years, maybe even a touch longer if stored in ideal conditions. Over time, those bright, juicy fruit notes will mellow and deepen, while the wine develops more nuanced layers of honeyed complexity and nutty undertones, like an elegant dame growing more intriguing with every passing year. So, if you can resist drinking it now, it will reward your patience with a more sophisticated, evolved character.
In short, this is a wine that knows how to have a good time while maintaining a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s sophisticated, yet playful – the kind of wine you’d invite to a dinner party and then spend the whole evening trying to impress. Cheers to that!
Food Pairings
When it comes to food pairings, this Crozes-Hermitage Blanc is like that charming friend who gets along with everyone at the party. Here are some delicious ideas:
Salmon Tartare: A fresh, raw preparation of salmon with a hint of lemon juice, capers, and herbs pairs well with the wine’s minerality and bright acidity, which highlight the clean, delicate flavors of the fish.
Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon: Creamy avocado and rich smoked salmon on a slice of crusty bread, topped with a sprinkle of capers and dill, pair beautifully with the wine’s fresh acidity and stone fruit notes, which balance the richness of the avocado and salmon.
Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Capers: A simple yet flavorful grilled chicken breast topped with a lemon and caper sauce is an excellent pairing. The wine’s acidity and citrus notes enhance the lemon sauce, while its minerality balances the brininess of the capers.
Grilled fish: Try pairing it with grilled white fish, such as sea bass or halibut, seasoned with herbs and a squeeze of lemon. The wine’s minerality complements the delicate flavors of the fish, while its fruitiness adds an extra layer of interest.