Domaine Rotier Renaissance Vendanges Tardives 2012
Decanter 92 Intense fruit of dried peach and anise on the nose. Rich on the palate with a pleasant botrytis finish and real personality.
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Domaine Rotier Renaissance Vendanges Tardives 2012
This dessert wine opens with an enchanting bouquet that is both intoxicating and inviting. On the nose, it reveals a complex interplay of rich, ripe fruit aromas that evoke images of a bountiful orchard at harvest time. Prominent scents of dried apricots, honeyed figs, and succulent quince dominate, intermingled with subtle notes of candied orange peel and golden raisins. These initial fragrances are beautifully complemented by delicate floral hints of honeysuckle and elderflower, adding a layer of elegance to the aromatic profile.
Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with a luscious and velvety texture that coats the mouth in a wave of decadent sweetness. The wine’s rich fruit flavors mirror the nose, with concentrated flavors of apricot jam, caramelized pear, and baked apple creating a sumptuous core. These flavors are uplifted by a vibrant and refreshing acidity that balances the wine’s inherent sweetness, preventing it from becoming overly cloying.
As the wine evolves on the palate, additional layers of complexity emerge. Subtle oak nuances from the 10-month barrel aging process impart gentle hints of vanilla, toasted almonds, and a touch of spice, adding depth and richness to the overall profile. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of honeyed fruit and a delicate mineral undertone.
The harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity, combined with the wine’s intricate flavor profile, makes the Domaine Rotier Renaissance Vendanges Tardives 2012 a truly exceptional dessert wine. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including foie gras, blue cheese, and fruit-based desserts, or can be savored on its own as a luxurious treat.
Production Process for Domaine Rotier Renaissance Vendanges Tardives 2012
Vineyard Management: The Domaine Rotier vineyard, located on a gravelly plateau along the Tarn river in Gaillac, is meticulously managed and certified organic. This means that the use of synthetic chemicals is strictly avoided, and the vineyard practices sustainable farming methods to maintain the health of the vines and the surrounding environment.
Grape Selection: The wine is made exclusively from Len de l’El grapes, a rare and ancient variety indigenous to the Gaillac region. The grapes are left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to undergo a process called botrytis cinerea or noble rot. This natural phenomenon causes the grapes to dehydrate and concentrate their sugars, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile.
Harvesting: The harvest is done manually in multiple passes through the vineyard to ensure that only the grapes affected by noble rot are picked. This selective harvesting ensures that the quality and consistency of the grapes are maintained.
Winemaking Process
Fermentation: The carefully selected grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented in oak barrels. The fermentation process takes approximately 1-2 months. During this time, the temperature is carefully controlled to preserve the delicate aromas and flavors of the grapes.
Halting Fermentation: To achieve the desired level of sweetness, the fermentation is halted by chilling the wine and then filtering it. This process helps to retain the natural sugars while preventing the development of excessive sulfur compounds. The use of sulfur is minimized to enhance the purity and expression of the wine.
Aging
Oak Barrel Aging: After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, 15% of which are new, for a period of 10 months. The oak barrels impart subtle vanilla and spice notes to the wine, adding to its complexity and depth.
Bottling: Once the aging process is complete, the wine is carefully bottled. The bottles are then stored in the wineries cellar to allow the flavors to further integrate and develop. This careful maturation process ensures that the wine reaches its full potential before it is released to the market.
Aging Potential
The Domaine Rotier Renaissance Vendanges Tardives 2012 has excellent aging potential. When stored under proper conditions, it can evolve and improve for more than a decade, gaining additional complexity and richness over time.
Alain ROTIER, Francis MARRE and their team cultivate a family organic vine estate, located in south of Gaillac, on a gravelly plateau corresponding to the middle alluvial terrasse of the Tarn river.
The deep bond between the vine-growers and their terroir here gives birth to great Gaillac wines, reflections of unspoilt nature. Born for a large part of local grape varieties Duras (red) and Len de l’El (white), they are original and unique.
Appreciated by a large and faithful custom of wine-retailers, restaurants and private individuals in France and a lot of countries, they carry high and far Gaillac wine fame.
Decanter Platinum Medal
- Contains Sulphites
- Suitable for Vegetarians
- Organic
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The Country
French wine, steeped in history and tradition, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Bordeaux’s iconic red blends—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—create wines with structured tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar. Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield velvety reds and crisp whites. Champagne sparkles with toasty brioche and citrus. The Rhône Valley boasts bold Syrah, while Alsace’s Riesling and Gewürztraminer express floral aromas. From Provence’s pale rosés to Corsica’s sun-kissed Vermentino, each bottle tells a story. Santé!
France Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
Gaillac, located just northeast of Toulouse in South West France, is an historic wine-producing region with a rich winemaking history dating back to Roman times or even earlier
Red Wines: Gaillac is renowned for its spice-scented red wines. These wines were historically used to enhance light-bodied Bordeaux blends.
White Wines: Gaillac’s white wines come in various styles:
- Dry Whites: These wines feature varieties such as Len de l’El, Mauzac, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Sweet Whites: Gaillac produces sweet whites using grapes like Muscadelle, Ondenc, and Len de l’El.
- Primeur Wines: Similar to Beaujolais Nouveau, Gaillac offers young, light, fruity reds made solely from Gamay
The Producer
Alain ROTIER, Francis MARRE and their team cultivate a family organic vine estate, located in south of Gaillac, on a gravelly plateau corresponding to the middle alluvial terrasse of the Tarn river.
The deep bond between the vine-growers and their terroir here gives birth to great Gaillac wines, reflections of unspoilt nature. Born for a large part of local grape varieties Duras (red) and Len de l’El (white), they are original and unique.
Appreciated by a large and faithful custom of wine-retailers, restaurants and private individuals in France and a lot of countries, they carry high and far Gaillac wine fame.
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