Clos Ste. Magdeleine - Cassis Bel-Arme Blanc 2019

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Producer	Clos Ste. Magdeleine
Country	France
Region	Provence
Varietal	White Blend
Vintage	2019
Sku	12105005
Size	750ml

 

haven’t experienced deep winter on the Mediterranean coast, but if I had to guess, I imagine it’s similar to what we experience here in Berkeley—clear blue skies and brisk air, some rain and fog, and the occasional frost or dusting of snow on the coast mountain peaks. (I can imagine eyes rolling in the Midwest and Northeast.) Due to an extended aging on the lees, the Bel-Arme has the added depth and roundness for a bracing winter day. With a touch of creaminess following the crisp stone fruit, it’s a Mediterranean white in a cashmere sweater.

65% Marsanne, 15% Clairette, 15% Ugni Blanc, 5% Bourboulenc

Bel-Arme refers to a steep vineyard dominated by fifty-year-old Marsanne clinging to solid limestone. The wine produced from this parcel is fermented and aged in concrete egg, which gives it a lovely fleshy texture. 

Produced from the estate's old vines, the Bel-Arme cuvée comes from limestone "restanques" located directly on the slopes of Cap Canaille. The Northern exposure allows to preserve a nice freshness. Vinified with indigenous yeasts and aged on fine lees for several months, the wine is then bottled without fining or filtration.

It then expresses straightness and balance around a beautiful material, fresh and finely saline. Its minerality and fine bitterness will allow it to accompany a meal around Mediterranean fish, white meat or shellfish. It can also age for several years in the cellar.