Novellum Chardonnay

Novellum comes from the Roussillon region in Southern France where Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage have some Chardonnay planted near the Mediterranean that makes a remarkably complex and mineral version of the variety. In close proximity to the sea, these vineyards benefit from higher humidity and afternoon breezes that keep these sits up to 1ºC cooler than a few miles further inland. There is no botrytis here so Jean-Marc resorts to a small percentage in barrel – usually less than 20%. The remainder of the wine is aged in tank on the lees of Viognier