Le Marin is one of the southerly winds that blows into this region from the Mediterranean usually bringing rain, however if the Marin blows and there is no rain it is known as a Marin Blanc. This wine is a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, all of which thrive in dry climate conditions and which benefit greatly from a helpful Marin Blanc.
As with all the grapes grown at Domaine de Sainte Rose, the Roussanne and Marsanne were picked at night to protect the juice and to bring the fruit into the winery at a moderate temperature. They are vinified separately. Both began their traditional fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, but the Roussanne was then transferred to new and 1-2year old French oak barrels to complete fermentation. The Roussanne remained in these barrels in our temperature controlled barrel cellar to age for 6 months.
Colour: Pale Gold
Nose: White Melon, pear drops and sweet vanilla.
Palate: Good acidity and balance up front followed by rich, caramel flavours and a glycerol-smooth finish.
Drink: Now until 2012
Available vintages: 2010
What the critics say
In a sensibly lighter bottle, this blend doesn't take itself too seriously yet offers a fine alternative to the more famous international varieties. Tangy yet quite substantial. Real flavour in this well made wine. Enjoy with or without food.
Jancis Robinson, Purplepages, July 2011
Heady and rich and very opulent. Close your eyes and this could be a rather luscious Condrieu actually. Very persistent. Good value.
Jancis Robinson, Purplepages, June 2011
2011 International Wine Challenge Bronze Medal Winner!
2011 Decanter World Wine Awards- Commended!
...a delicious sipping white with tangy, salty edges to its lemon fruit
Andrew Jefford(Decanter), January 2011
A good dry white, part oak-fermented summer buffet bottle with tasty, oaky, Rhonesque flavours.
Jane Macquitty, Sunday Times, July 24th, 2010
Le Marin Blanc'(Marsanne /Roussanne / Viognier), our most recent release, was featured on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen program Saturday- 22nd May, 2010. The host Olly Smith suggests pairing it with Cod cheeks, chorizo and chick peas!
