Duclaux Cote Rotie 'La Chana' 2021

La Chana’ is the cuvée made by the Duclaux brothers with the highest amount of Viognier, totalling 7% of the blend. Often described as an easy-going and fragrant expression of Côte-Rôtie, this cuvée comes from 20 year-old vines, from different plots located on the steep terraces of Tupin. The grapes were harvested by hand, with a total of 80% of it destemmed, macerated for 3 weeks, fermented in temperature controlled vats and then aged for 18 months in 600-litre demi-muids with absolutely no new oak.

“An easy-going and fragrant expression of Côte-Rôtie. Middleweight, not too light, it has some good palate weight and brisk acidity. Fresh, not hugely concentrated or long, but well balanced. The fine tannins are gently built and the alcohol is low. A good value option this year. Vines from gneiss, blonde soils. 40% bought grapes, from a direct neighbour. 20% whole bunch and then aged in 600-litre demi-muids, no new oak, for 18 months.” 92 points by Matt Walls for DECANTER (tasted 1st Oct 2022) / Drink Date 2023 - 2026