Élodie Balme, a new star from the Southern Rhône
Website: https://domaineelodiebalme.com/
Élodie Balme’s story is an increasingly common one in old world wine regions. Her parents had vineyards and sold to the cooperative, but when she began to work in the family business, she wanted to make her own wines. This she did in 2006 for the first time with fruit from 3.5 hectares. Now she’s working with 22 hectares across a few Rhône appellations, but with a focus on Rasteau, where she’s based.
Élodie Balme Libre Comme L’R 2022 Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix Blanc, France
A blend of Clairette and Bourboulenc. Stony with apple and ripe pear fruit, as well as some fine-grained detail. Rounded and warm with lovely fruit. 93/100
Élodie Balme Rouge 2022 Vin de France
This is Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault planted in sandy soils. Light cherry red colour. Supple, bright and fine with lovely red cherry and plum fruit. Sappy and juicy, this is very fresh and drinkable. Fine-grained structure with strawberry and herb notes. 93/100
Élodie Balme Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022 France
Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Vivid and bright with some dissolved carbon dioxide. Very fresh and juicy with cherries and raspberries, hemmed in by some spicy grip. Nice precision here. It’s a joyful wine with a grippy edge to the fruit. 93/100
Élodie Balme Champs Libres 2021 Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix, France
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Fresh, fine, bright with peppery liqueur-like cherry and raspberry fruit. Has lovely grainy, peppery detail. Very fresh and lively with nice grip. 94/100
Élodie Balme Rasteau 2021 France
Bright, peppery and detailed with lovely sweet cherry and plum fruit, showing nice grip. Very expressive with garrigue and spice notes. Lovely wine. 94/100
UK agent: Lea and Sandeman
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