2021 Christelle Betton Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 'Elixir' Rhone Valley, France (750ml)   

About the Icons
3rd generation vigneron Christelle Betton makes this lovely Croze Hermitage Blanc from 100% Marsanne. It has the weight and texture of a medium-bodied Chardonnay, but has not seen any oak at all. As the wine warms a bit in the glass, the aromas and flavors suggest honeycomb and fresh fennel. Delicious with soft-ripened cheeses and simple oven-roasted chicken.

Producer notes ~ "Representing the third generation of her family to have answered the siren call of northern Rhône Syrah, Christelle Betton’s vision is one of pure and refined fruit, inspired by the cool northern Mistral winds and stony personality of her family’s vineyards in La Roche de Glun. Christelle manages 15 acres of vines in Crozes-Hermitage and one-third acre in Hermitage. Her skills come naturally, having watched her grandfather and father care for their vines, plowing the fields by hand and farming as naturally as possible. Today Christelle farms her land organically, but is not certified; she prefers the flexibility of allowing the earth to tell her what it needs, and when. At harvest time you’ll find Christelle in the cellar, in black cowboy hat and work boots, in her vats stomping grapes to the rhythms of Latin jazz or French rock."