13% abv, imported by Fass Selections Inc, Irvine, CA. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: fruit day.
What is IGP Isère? An up-and-coming area near Grenoble for curious and indigenous grape varieties from the Domaine des Rutissons. Due to the proximity to Grenoble, this area is technically a satellite of the Rhone department, yet it may share more in common climactically wines produced just north in the areas around Chambéry in the Savoie region.
Lyle Fass, the importer, had much to share: “Verdesse is a white grape that is an ancient specialty of the area. Only 13 hectares are planted and one of the parents of the grape is Savagnin. As of 2008 there were only 2 hectares planted so it is slowly increasing. It is considered one of the oldest white grape varieties in the world. I adore this grape and I know once you all taste this you all will as well. It’s brilliant and so new and so unique. Like Chenin crosses with Jacquere but has thrilling cooling Alpine character. The nose is just crazy. The signature of Verdesse is its striking aromas. Wooly, floral, lemon, grapefruit and very very mineral. So complex. It has that alpine cooling floral, lemon grapefruit thing but also a severe Chenin/Jacquere type minerality. The palate is wonderful. Huge acidity with juicy sweet lemon, intense dryness and super intense deep minerality. It is so distinctive and my oh my is this wine long. Almost indescribable. Sappy red cherry fruit, red currant fruit and loads of fresh earth and mineral. Sappy and super fresh with just huge mineral extract on the finish. It’s a big wine with just insane freshness and brilliant mouthfeel. I love the roundness juxtaposed with the brilliant acidity and freshness. It is uplifting and has so much alpine florals. Vibrant and so energetic with engaging fresh Alpine herbal notes as well. Wonderful wine and something that will age 3-6 years. This is very limited as you can imagine they don’t make a lot.”
Tasting note: Rutisson’s Verdesse is medium gold in color with a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of acacia, Hawthorne, magnolia, orange blossom, beeswax, Royal jelly, apricot, tangerine, tamarind, and Meyer Lemon. On the palate this wine is dry with high acid, medium+ body, medium alcohol, pronounced flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of blossom, tangerine, lemon, apricot, lemon drop candy, cream, ginger and fennel spice. It packs quite a punch on the palate and should drink well through 2027, this wine is outstanding: 9.6/10.