Cave Mont Blanc
Glacier
2019
Cave Mont Blanc Glacier
Lots of aromas to draw you into the glass: grapefruit, white button mushrooms, white flowers, savory herbs, and granite baking in the sun. There is great focus, purity, and definition, along with a well-defined mineral streak in Cave Mont Blanc Glacier. The wine is lean and lively in the mouth, with incredible mouthwatering freshness. The wine crackles with energy on the palate, leaving you with a persistent mineral character.
VINEYARD
Designation
Sub-region
Grape Varieties
Type
Soil
Aspect
WINERY
Fermentation
Aging
Alcohol
AT HOME
Serving Temperature
Cellaring
Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle
100% ungrafted Prié Blanc. Biotype Blanc de Morgex
Dry sparkling white wine
Shallow moranic soils with a high population of sand and rock.
Terraced hillside.
Highest elevation vineyards in Europe
Base wine is fermented in large wooden barrels (20%) and stainless steel (80%). Traditional second fermentation in the bottle.
Disgorgement not less than after 20 months
12%
45°F (7°C)
Up to 8 years
Appearance:
Medium lemon-green. Fine and persistent bubbles.
Nose:
Lemon curd, white button mushrooms, grapefruit, jasmine, sage, thyme, parsley, baked granite.
Taste:
Palate is light-bodied. Crisp, light, and clean. A fresh mineral finish conveys the mountain territory.
Pairing:
Sashimi, seafood, fried chicken, popcorn, excellent as an aperitif, or for the whole meal.
Why We Love This Wine
The two words that best describe Cave Mont Blanc Glacier: pristine fragility. Prié Blanc is an uncommon grape and there is very little to compare it to. However, in Champagne we look for freshness, purity and mineral. There are high levels of all of these in this dry, sparkling white wine.
On top of that, you are drinking wine from the highest vineyards in Europe. Prié Blanc is the only variety that will grow at altitudes up to 4200 feet (1300 m). Even the pest Phylloxera will not survive this high up, so vines grow on their own rootstock. Grape growing is difficult here and most growers only own a tiny piece of land. 80 growers contribute to the wine, and the co-op is responsible for keeping the wine-making tradition alive. Their devotion to winemaking shows in Cave Mont Blanc Glacier, a superior example of dry, sparkling white wine.
4 Grappoli Bibenda
Critics Review
"The 2016 Pas Dosé Metodo Classico Blanc de Morgex Glacier is delicate and understated, pulling you close to take in its vivid notes of apricot and pear complemented by honied florals and almond extracts. This displays an unexpected weight and almost-glycerol feel, yet carries it well, as ripe orchard fruits and hints of green melon flesh out across the senses. Its minerality comes forward through the finale, salty and savory, yet with a hint of kiwi that adds verve. While a bit more energy on the palate would take this to the next level, the 2016 is a beautiful Blanc de Morgex.” Drink 2022 to 2026.
— Eric Guido, Vinous
About the Winery
The Cave Mont Blanc cooperative cellar was built by the State in 1983 to encourage growers to continue making wine. Today, there are 80 owners farming 18 hectares (44 acres) of land. These are the highest elevation vineyards in Europe, with the majority of vineyards at over 1200 meters.
The vines are ungrafted and there is minimal treatment in the vineyard against fungi and parasites, creating natural wines with expressive character. Most of the vineyards are located in the upper Dora Baltea valley between Mont Blanc and the gorge of Pierre Tailée. The winery is a mere 10 miles from the border with France.
The winery produces only white wines, with still, sparkling, slightly frizzante and oaked versions available. It is also one of the only wineries in Italy to produce Ice Wine. The Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle version of the Valle d’Aosta DOC is 100% Prié Blanc.
Images Courtesy of Le Cave Mont Blanc