Adrien Berlioz 'Cuvée Euphrasie' Chignin Bergeron 2019

Press 2 • May 2023 Direct Press Selection

Located in the town of Arbin in Savoie, France at the foot of the Bauges Massif, Adrien Berlioz’s domaine has been certified organic since 2012 and biodynamic since 2020. All of his vineyard sites are farmed in the most natural means possible with no herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or other synthetic chemicals in either the vineyard or cellar.

Adrien’s Euphrasie is 100% Roussanne from 30 year old vines from a lieu dit (named vineyard) called “Grand Buisson” which translates to “Big Bush”. The grapes are hand harvested and transported in small boxes to ensure the highest quality. This vineyard faces south-east on a 40% gradient and is planted to a high density of 8000 vines per hectare. 

At the winery the grapes are directly pressed and the free run juice is fermented naturally. The wine is then aged in 50% acacia barrels and 50% oak barrels. This wine has an annual production of only 2000 bottles.

If you’ve been in the shop lately you may have heard a running joke that I may or may not be starting a magazine for opulent white wines which are my current obsession. My working title is "Opulence/You Own Everything," based on a moment from RuPaul's Drag Race. Anyway, this wine would fit in quite nicely with that coterie of white wines that drink like a big hug or scratches the itch that comfort food seems to give us all while being easy drinking and refreshing. This complexity of lees, cream, and overripe white peach aromas are complimented and reinforced on the palate with medium stone fruit acidity, parmesan rind, a touch of crème frâiche, and a bit of nuttiness reminiscent of Jura white wines. The 9 months in acacia also give just a slight touch of fresh wood and a hint of vanilla. Jeremy Hernandez