Domaine Usseglio Pure Clairette 2022

There's but a single 15-hectoliter Stockinger foudre of the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure Clairette, a stupendous white CdP that kicks off with leesy, toasted-grain aromas and wends its way toward white peaches, with stops along the way at fennel and cracked white peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and ample length, this should be capable of drinking well for close to a decade.

The colour of this is deep straw with a striking pink tinge. A powerful and ripe dry white with a rich, almost oily texture, but also a lot of pink grapefruit freshness. The little hint of bitterness at the finish really accentuates the minerality. Made from 50% of the white version of clairette and 50% of clairette rose grown on sandy soil with a northern exposure. Matured in a mix of demi-muids and larger Stockinger barrels. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Equal parts Clairette and Clairette Rose, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pure Clairette showed beautifully, with a layered, medium to full-bodied, pure profile as well as classy orchard fruits (pear, golden apple), vanilla cream, spice, and hints of toasted green almonds. It's pure, focused, and nicely concentrated, with integrated acidity. This cuvée is brought up in a mix of foudre (60%) and demi-muids (40%).

Medium golden yellow in colour with silver reflections. On the nose, an inviting bouquet of delicate blossom honey, fine yellow tropical fruit and some pear. The juicy palate has good complexity with delicate acidity, fine stone fruit notes and a saline-mineral finish, not a trace of opulence, this is a balanced food wine with ageing potential.