La Croix Gratiot - Languedoc Le Chant des Dolia blanc 2023

This 35-hectare estate in Montagnac is known for its Picpoul de Pinet wines. Yves and his daughter Anaïs run it using biodynamic methods and are experimenting with new containers, including terracotta, ceramic, and stoneware dolias. Don’t miss Bréchallune, a Picpoul aged slowly on its lees that breaks from the appellation’s classic style, or Le Chant des Dolia, a stunning Languedoc that far exceeds the standard for this regional appellation.

A frequent feature in these pages, this is a pure Roussanne that is as highly recommended as it is consistent. The floral and fresh almond aromas detected on the nose are complemented by stone fruit notes on the palate, which is smooth and crisp, with flawless balance.

Originally focused on melon cultivation and supplying grapes to a cooperative winery, the estate took a major turn in 2004 with the creation of its own winemaking facility. In 2009, Anaïs Ricôme joined her father, Yves, at the helm of a 35-hectare organic vineyard, created a new line of wines, and expanded sales. A sure bet for both white and red wines.

With a highly expressive bouquet that unfolds unreservedly, yet refined by aging in stoneware dolia, *Le Chant des Dolia* truly stands out.

Anaïs Ricôme is the leading name in Picpoul de Pinet, producing wines of great purity from this beautiful clay-limestone terroir. The appellation is home to some of the Languedoc’s greatest white wines—characterized by the influence of the marine trade winds, crisp and briny—made from the Picpoul grape variety. After studying viticulture and oenology and gaining experience at a New Zealand vineyard, her father, Yves, offered her the opportunity to take over this estate near Marseillan. Shortly after settling in, she made some drastic decisions: reducing the vineyard’s size to better control quality, converting the estate to organic farming, and adopting certain biodynamic practices. Aging is very light, with a focus on stainless steel, stoneware, and old oak casks. The result is brilliant, well-defined, and energetic wines of great precision. Quality is once again the hallmark of these wines.