Domaine Terra Noe Blanc 2020/21, Vignerons Ardechois, Ardeche

A blend of Chardonnay and Viognier harvested during the coolest hours of the day, aged on lees for six months, this 2019 vintage surprises with its balance. Lively and mineral on the palate where it lingers on an elegant smoothness, this wine exudes aromas of fresh fruit and white flowers.

The Vignerons Ardéchois Cave Co-opérative (also known as U.V.I.C.A – Union des Vignerons des Coteaux de l’Ardèche) has its roots in the late 1960s when the Presidents of 7 major Cave Co-opératives agreed a unified policy of modernisation, re-planting and marketing. Based in the town of Ruoms, 20 kilometres south of Aubenas this forward-thinking, modernist collective has done much to revive the fortunes of this ancient vine-area, which dates back to Roman times. Today the Vignerons Ardéchois co-operative represents some 2000 grape growers from 21 different smaller co-operatives. U.V.I.C.A is a terrific source of keenly-priced, well made single variety wines and accessible, fruit-driven blends.

The Domaine Terra Noé vineyard extends like an ancient theatre over 25 hectares of vines grouped around the estate, favouring organic farming. The terroir allows the vines to flourish with small yields to make wines for laying down. The Mediterranean climate and the exposure of the vines offer ideal conditions for a good maturity of the grapes.