Summer officially starts June 21 making it a perfect time to explore the lively and refreshing white blends from wine-growing regions in the south of France, particularly those that benefit from their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and its cooling breezes. Because these dry blends are often affordable and may contain some unfamiliar grapes, they can provide inviting options to the white wines you’re used to drinking. The following two examples are from the Languedoc-Roussillon and Rhône regions. Both would go well with shellfish, fish and chicken.
Domaine Lafage 2021 Cote d’Est, Côtes Catalanes, FranceBought • Spirit Wine & Craft, 5760 Chippewa Street, in May for $11.99
Description • Côtes Catalanes is one of the most important Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) areas in Languedoc-Roussillon. IGP wines, previously known as Vin de Pays, are not as strictly regulated as those carrying the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) classification. This white, which is exported by the highly regarded Eric Solomon, is a blend of 50% old vine grenache blanc, 30% chardonnay and 20% rolle (vermentino). Crisp with good acidity, it’s a medium-bodied white that tastes of stone fruit, green apple, citrus and a hint of spice.
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Château Virgile 2021 Costières de Nîmes, FranceBought • Spirit Wine & Craft, 5760 Chippewa Street, in May for $12.99
Description • Costières de Nîmes, an appellation at the southernmost edge of the Rhône Valley, produces mostly red and rose wines. Although whites make up just a small a very small percentage of its production, Château Virgile is an example of just how delicious these wines can be. Very aromatic and beautifully balanced, this is an elegant, medium-bodied white with a rich mouthfeel. A blend of 40% marsanne, 40% roussanne and 10% each of viognier and rolle, it’s a lush wine that tastes of tropical fruit, ripe peaches, apricots and lemon.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch lists the best-reviewed wines of 2022. The list has been divided into sparkling, white and red wines.
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