Francois Villard 'Les Contours de Mairlant' Marsanne - Roussanne, Rhone, Vin de France, France

2023 François Villard Les Contours de Mairlant is a richly textured yet energetic Northern Rhône white built from Marsanne and Roussanne grown on classic granite soils. Ripe pear, peach, and citrus unfold alongside white flowers, lemon peel, and subtle honeyed tones, while a mineral undercurrent keeps the wine precise and focused. Barrel fermentation and extended aging on the fine lees give the palate breadth and generosity without sacrificing freshness. Full and silky through the mid-palate, it finishes long and zesty, with stone fruit, citrus and granitic minerality lingering after each sip.

Product Details:

• Founder & Winemaker: François Villard
• Grape Varieties: 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne
• Vine Age: Approximately 20 years
• Soils: Granite
• Exposure: South-facing
• Planting Density: 8,000 vines per hectare
• Yield: Approximately 35 hL/ha
• Farming: Certified organic estate vineyards
• Pressing: Direct pressed
• Fermentation: Low-temperature barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts
• Maturation: Approximately 10 to 11 months in French oak barrels on fine lees
• Alcohol: 13%
• Vegan: Yes

Sensory Description:

Expressive aromas of pear, peach and other white and stone fruits mingle with white flowers, tart orange, lemon peel and gently honeyed notes. The palate is full and ample, with a silky lees-derived texture balanced by crisp acidity and a pronounced granitic mineral undertow. Subtle toasted and vanilla nuances from seasoned oak add complexity without dominating the fruit. Generous yet focused, the wine carries citrus zest, ripe stone fruit and savory mineral tones into a long, fresh finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• John Gilman, View From the Cellar: 92 Points, Issue #119

Winemaker's Background:

François Villard founded his Northern Rhône domaine in 1989 after moving from a career in cooking into viticulture and winemaking. Still at the helm today, he farms more than 40 hectares across some of the region's key terroirs, with the estate certified organic since 2022. His wines combine careful vineyard work, precise harvesting and measured use of oak to emphasize both ripeness and freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 10-12°C. Its combination of ripe fruit, mineral freshness and lees-derived richness makes it an excellent partner for grilled scallops, lobster, oysters, roasted poultry, creamy risotto and richer fish preparations. It also works well with soft cheeses and dishes finished with herbs or butter.