2019 Mas Théo VDF "Ginger" Orange

Region: Grignan-les-Adhémar AOP < Rhône Valley < France

Grapes: Marsanne, Roussanne

Winemaker: Laurent Clapier

Mas Théo is located at the heart of Drôme Provençale in the
little-known Southern Rhone appellation Grignan-les-Adhemar, where
Laurent took over the family farm in 1999 with 33ha of vines, 23ha of
meadow and 16ha of lavenders. Laurent's winemaking roots begin with
his great-grandfather, Gabriel Théolas, who was a colorful figure in
the village, so much so that the elders named his own vineyards Mas
Théolas, now just Mas Théo.  He started farming organically from the
start, getting certified in 2004 then began to branch out and test
biodynamic practices. He saw a real impact with the holistic approach
-- there was more life and energy in the vineyard upon introducing
biodynamics, and now Laurent has entirely adopted this philosophy,
becoming biodynamic certified in 2011.  He uses nothing in the cellar
(which happens to be in an old quarry cave dug into thick-walled,
chalky rock—a perfect environment for aging) except for a touch of So2
at bottling if needed.

We've seen pictures of his hilltop village and his cave dug into the
rocks, and we want to go there.  But in the meantime we'll be drinking
Laurent's Ginger, a skin-contact white that smells faintly peachy but
not dripping with juicy, like the one 2 days from being perfectly
ripe.  The palate is dry and salty, not very peachy but hinting at the
possibility -- more like underripe, crunchy nectarine with some barely
ripe mango.  There is some texture and grip, but it's not tannic.  A
very delicious and easy orange wine, meant for food.