Domaine du Gringet Etraz Ayze Blanc '22

The 2022 Domaine du Gringet Etraz Ayze Blanc is a stunning wine made from 100% Gringet, a local variety from the Savoie region in France. The grapes are sourced from a single plot of stony limestone scree at the foot of a hill, with vines planted in the 1970s and 1980s. The terroir, rich in limestone and clay, imparts a unique minerality to the wine, which is evident in its fresh and vibrant profile. The wine offers bright citrus aromas of lime, oyster shell, and green notes, while the palate delivers mandarin and melon fruit, complemented by a chalky texture and mineral detail. It has a clean, long finish with impressive length. Domaine du Gringet, now managed by Franck Balthazar, Vincent Ruiz, Miguel Sarzier, and Raphaël Bennour since 2022, focuses on minimal intervention and sustainable viticulture. The grapes are pressed gently, fermented with native yeasts, and aged for nine months on fine lees in ovoid concrete vats. The wine is then bottled and left to rest for an additional 10 months. The vineyard's commitment to organic practices and the use of indigenous yeast result in wines with a unique expression of the terroir. This wine showcases the potential of Gringet, elevating it beyond its previous association with sparkling wines to a wine of complexity and distinction, similar to Premier and Grand Cru Chablis.