Le Grand Noir 'Black Sheep' Chardonnay IGP Pays d'Oc, France

Nicknamed “Le Piano et la Clarinette” for its duet-like blend, the 2021 Le Grand Noir 'Black Sheep' Chardonnay is a wine that sings with harmony and balance. Crafted from Chardonnay softened and enlivened by Viognier, it avoids the extremes of heavy oak or sharp austerity, instead offering a lyrical expression that is fresh, intriguing, and delightfully satisfying.

Product Details:

• Grapes: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier
• Aging: 30% aged in French and American oak barrels; 70% unoaked
• Alcohol: 13% ABV
• Acidity: 3.7 g/L
• pH: 3.5
• Residual Sugar: 3 g/L
• Vine Age: 15 years
• Cellaring Potential: Up to 3 years
• Winemakers/Founders: Hugh Ryman (winemaker), Robert Joseph (wine writer), Kevin Shaw (designer)

Sensory Description:

The wine opens with fresh aromas of apple, melon, and pineapple, classic Chardonnay hallmarks, woven together with the exotic lift of mango, ginger, and floral Viognier notes. On the palate, a subtle oak influence adds a touch of creaminess and spice, while the bright fruit core delivers vibrancy and balance. The result is a wine that is simultaneously refreshing, layered, and complex, finishing with elegance and length.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 2005 by a team of visionaries, Hugh Ryman, Robert Joseph, and Kevin Shaw, Le Grand Noir set out to reimagine French wines for a global audience. Drawing from the rich terroir of the Languedoc’s Minervois region, the project unites local vignerons with sustainable viticulture and a spirit of creativity. Their wines are designed to transcend boundaries: rooted in tradition yet unafraid of innovation, approachable but sophisticated, with distinctive labels that mirror their bold character.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 9–11°C (48–52°F) to highlight its fruit and freshness. Perfect with fish, seafood, chicken, or pork dishes, it also pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired cuisine where its ginger and tropical notes shine. Equally at home accompanying refined dining or enjoyed casually with bread, cheese, and good company, this Chardonnay is a versatile companion for many occasions.

The 2021 Le Grand Noir 'Black Sheep' Chardonnay is more than a white wine; it is a testament to the harmony of innovation and tradition, a symphony of flavors that brings the best of Languedoc-Roussillon to the glass.