2024 Cvne - Viura Rioja Monopole Blanco (750ml)

I went out of my way last year to visit this beautiful property located right in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers between the Garonne and the Dordogne, not far from Saint-Émilion. A very beautiful terroir, and their Merlot based red is easy-drinking yet has some very fine complexity. WSJ columnist Lettie Teague wrote up the Chateau after we sent her a bottle to try for one of her columns. Perfect burger on the grill wine! -Phil

Chateau de Saint Martin is one of the most premium producers in the appellation of Provence. Its vineyards are overlooked by a large Chateau built in 1740. The original site was a priory of the monks of Lerins, with the old cellars underneath still intact and dating from the 12th century. The vineyards of Chateau de Saint Martin sit at an altitude of up to 130 metres, and lie at the junction of two distinct geological zones, offering an unique terroir. Classified as a "Cru Classe," Saint Martin produces some of the finest Provencal Rose in the world, as well as other reds and whites in smaller amounts.

DESCRIPTION: Varietal truth, purity of aromatics and depth are the elements we
long for in our Langhe DOC Nebbiolo. The fruit is hand-picked in the early hours
of the day to preserve its freshness. A long and gentle maceration retains the
wine’s lift and energy, while delicately weaving in layers of aromatic complexity
that unfold with grace over time.
VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo.
VINEYARD AND TERROIR: Young vineyards grow across both Tortonian and
Serravallian valleys, on calcareous soils between 280 and 550 meters above sea
level. These sites enjoy bright exposures and a natural ventilation that favors the
elegance and lift typical of Nebbiolo.
GROWING: In 1971, Aldo Vajra, then still a university student, was one of the
earliest to adopt organic farming in Piemonte.
Vineyards have been nurtured, and soil preserved, by grassing and spontaneous
cover crop for almost 50 years now. They are sustainable and organic certified.
With an incredible ratio of manual work per hectare, farming at Vajra is a labor of
love and “recipe-free” attention. Intense research is also placed into monitoring
and improving the biodiversity of both flora and fauna not just in the vineyards,
but also in the winery fields and forests.
VINTAGE: 2024 is set to deliver wines of fresh aromatics, moderate alcohol level
and irresistible drinkability. Winter came late and so did the snow on the mountains.
Budbreak was first recorded on March 11th, threatened by frost a month later.
Starting in May, abundant rain marked the growing season, causing sustained
fungal pressure and intense vineyard work. Temperatures rose eventually, turning
2024 into a warm vintage, with a significant hailstorm episode in early August on
the western slopes between La Morra and Novello. Harvest started on August
30th and finished - intertwined by numerous rainfalls - on October 24th.This was
one of the most demanding vintages since 1972, with close-to-heroic work in the
vineyards. We are proud to confirm that we persevered in our organic commitment
and were able to harvest gorgeous fruit, if in reduced yields.
 

-Winery notes