Description
Château des Hospices
Although Roussillon is usually tacked onto the Languedoc as Languedoc-Roussillon, the region has a distinct feel of its own. With Perpignan at its core, overlooked by the Pyrenees, it still feels part of Catalonia, just across the Spanish border.
This area was originally famous for their vins doux naturels – the French equivalent of Port and Madeira. In the past thirty years full-bodied, terroir-based reds have taken centre stage. Whites make up only 4% of total production, yet the terroir close to the coast manages to produce some intensely flavoured whites, thanks to the argilo-calcaire soil, the sunshine and the cooling breezes from the sea.
The Château des Hospices is based in the heart of the pretty coastal village of Canet-en-Roussillon, where five generations of the Benassis family have been making wine since 1936. The vineyard has slowly expanded to its current size of 75 hectares, which includes olive and fruit trees. Marc Benassis took over the reins in 2007, after gaining valuable experience in other regions of France and the New World. When we visited him for the first time in the Spring, we were immediately bowled over by the superb quality of his whites, which manage to combine the best of new and old world winemaking.
Mark Benassis
We are offering a Mixed Half Dozen of two bottles of each of these three wines:
Château des Hospices Nova Ona Blanc 2024
IGP Côtes Catalanes
A blend of 70% Chardonnay with 30% Viognier, this is vinified at a cool temperature in stainless steel to maximise the fruit flavours.
There is an inviting nose of tropical fruit which leads into juicy mouthful of pineapple and baked apples with a hint of spice, a crisp saline finish and good length. Very moreish!
Château des Hospices Maïa Blanc 2024
AOP Côtes du Roussillon
This is a blend of 70% Grenache Blanc, 20% Grenache Gris and 10% Roussanne. It is vinified at a cool temperature and then undergoes a process of “pneumatic lees stirring” by bubbling nitrogen into the stainless-steel tank. This gently agitates the wine and suspends the fine lees which has the same effect as battonage while being less labour-intensive. The end result enhances the texture and flavour of the wine.
It has an exotic floral nose, with hints of marmalade, which leads into a rich mouthful of nectarines and crystallised fruit with a touch of Turkish Delight. There is wonderful mouthfeel, and it finishes crisply with a mineral edge and great length.
Château des Hospices Grande Terre Blanc 2023
AOP Côtes du Roussillon
This is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Macabeu and Roussanne and a special selection from old vines. It is vinified in a mix of stainless steel and new oak barrels. It then left on the lees in oak barriques for several months before bottling.
It has a lovely toasty nose. On the palate this is a supple, rich fruity wine with the oak subtly in the background. There are hints of lemon zest and mandarin orange, followed by a mineral finish, racy acidity and great length. This would be perfect with mildly spicy food, like a tagine.
