Château Simone Palette Blanc 2016

Château Simone is a historic and highly esteemed winery located in the Palette appellation of Provence, France. It carries a very rich history dating back to the late 18th century when the estate was acquired by the Rougier family. Today, it is run by the Rougier family's descendants, with Jean-François Rougier and his daughter, Florence, managing the estate. 

 The vineyards of Château Simone are situated in the small Palette appellation, which is known for its diverse soils and microclimates. The estate benefits from a unique terroir characterized by limestone soils, Mediterranean climate, and altitude, which contribute to the complexity and elegance of its wines. The estate is particularly committed to traditional winemaking practices, with a focus on hand-harvesting, gentle grape handling, and natural fermentation. The wines are aged in a combination of old oak foudres and small barrels, allowing for slow maturation and development of nuanced flavors. 

 One of the most distinctive features of Château Simone is its use of a diverse array of grape varieties, or “cépage”, in its blends. The estate grows and vinifies up to 11 different grape varieties, including Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, and several white grape varieties such as Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc. This blend of grape varieties adds a very uniquely complex character to the château’s wines. Additionally, Château Simone produces a relatively small quantity of wine each year, maintaining a focus on quality rather than quantity. This limited production, combined with the estate's reputation for excellence, has made Château Simone wines highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The wines of Château Simone are also known for their exceptional aging potential. The red wines, made primarily from Mourvèdre and Grenache grape varieties, can develop beautifully over decades, gaining complexity and tertiary aromas with age. The white wines, characterized by their richness and minerality, also have the capacity to evolve gracefully over time.

 Château Simone has received widespread acclaim from critics and wine lovers worldwide. Its wines consistently receive high scores and praise for their depth, balance, and ability to express the unique terroir of the Palette appellation.