Château de Fonsalette 'Côtes du Rhône Réserve', Rhône Valley, France 2011

Château de Fonsalette is owned by the legendary Château Rayas, one of the most revered producers in the Rhône Valley. The Fonsalette wines, while distinct, carry the same pedigree and traditional winemaking philosophy as Rayas, offering a unique, age-worthy expression of Côtes du Rhône.

• WINEMAKER: Emmanuel Reynaud
• FARMING: Organic practices, not certified
• VARIETY: A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah
• TERROIR: Sourced from vineyards located near Château Rayas, with sandy and limestone soils that contribute to the wine’s finesse and elegance
• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts. A traditional, minimal-intervention approach with no destemming, allowing for a more structured and complex wine
• AGING: Aged in large old oak foudres for around 18 months, followed by additional time in bottle before release
• TASTING NOTES: Rich and aromatic, with red fruit flavors like raspberry and cherry, along with earthy and herbal notes of garrigue, black olive, and a hint of pepper. The wine has fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, elegant finish
• SCORES / ACCOLADES:
  • Wine Advocate: 94/100 for its elegance and depth
  • Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 93/100 for its complexity and refinement