Formerly called Prédilection, this cuvée is cropped from a parcel of vines planted on terres blanches, or Kimmeridgian marl. Sited close to the cellar in Les Loges, this beautiful, steep and terraced vineyard was planted by Didier Pabiot, and the vines now average 50 years of age. With an active lime content of over 70%, the very poor soil makes the vines struggle, begetting a saltier, more coiled style than the Aubaine. Again, yields are meagre: 28 hl/ha in this case.
In the best sense, Luminance is a statement wine, resonating with a level of intensity, slicing freshness and seamless flavour seldom seen in the region. With chalky layers of orchard fruit and ripe citrus, the palate is both mouth-filling and racy; tightly wound fruit is fused with mineral steel and a swell of energy. It will be even more special with a couple of years in the cellar but it is already magic now.