Les Arches de Belliviere 'Caragouille' Blanc Maceration, Vin de France, France

The 2022 Les Arches de Bellivière 'Caragouille' is a vibrant skin-contact white that blends Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Vermentino, sourced from biodynamically farmed vineyards in Ventoux, southern Rhône. Crafted by the Nicolas family of Bellivière, this wine is their first macerated white, showcasing a natural, low-intervention approach with a focus on texture, energy, and purity. Named after the small vineyard snails, Caragouille embodies a playful yet serious exploration of skin-fermented whites.

Product Details:

• Vintage: 2022
• Grapes: 50% Grenache Blanc, 25% Viognier, 25% Vermentino
• Region: Vin de France (Ventoux, Southern Rhône)
• Alcohol: 12%
• Farming Practices: Biodynamic
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast, co-fermented, no sulfur during fermentation
• Maceration: 3 weeks of skin contact with punchdowns
• Aging: Vat-aged, no fining or filtration
• Sulfur: Minimal addition at bottling

Sensory Description:

Golden and slightly hazy, the wine offers aromatic notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus peel, chamomile, and dried herbs. On the palate, layers of apricot, grapefruit pith, and a hint of salinity mingle with a gentle tannic structure and fresh acidity. The finish is long, textured, and lightly spicy, making this an engaging and food-friendly orange wine.

Winemaker's Background:

The Nicolas family of Domaine de Bellivière are pioneers in Jasnières and Coteaux-du-Loir, Loire Valley, renowned for their biodynamic farming and minimal intervention wines. Through their Les Arches de Bellivière project, they partner with like-minded growers outside their region, bringing their precision and passion for terroir expression to new and exciting cuvées like Caragouille.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 52–55°F, pairing beautifully with tagines, roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, or aged cheeses. Its bright acidity and textural depth also make it ideal for spice-driven and umami-rich dishes.