Roussillon 'French Catalonia' wine book

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16 February 2022

Four whites and a Pinot Noir

Santa Tresa Rina Ianca Grillo Viognier 2020 Sicilia (organic, 13.5% abv): Another delicious Grillo-based bottle from Sicily - click here and here for more of those - this time with 30% Viognier added, which ups the exotic apricot and peach flavours with full palate weight, yeast-lees edges and appealing amount of freshness. Wine Society £8.25.

Coume Marie La Préceptorie 2020 Côtes du Roussillon: sun-drenched Grenache gris and Grenache blanc grown near Maury lend whopping 15% abv, but it's surprisingly integrated in this ripe and exotic white yet with savoury nutty and buttery and yeasty undertones, full-on and rounded. Try with baked trout and mustard. Quite dear at £13.95 (the red Coume Marie 2019 is £12.50, Wine Society), then again so is good white Burgundy. More about La Préceptorie and the Roussillon here (buy my book!).

Alsace Riesling Réserve 2017 Pierre Sparr (11.5% abv): the Cave de Beblenheim co-op winery made this dry elegant characterful and maturing Riesling, with complex oily nose and lime pickle fruit, lots of flavour yet light too. £9.50 Wine Society.

Lugana 2020 Tenuta Roveglia (Turbiana grape, 13% abv): Had stopped buying this as it went downhill a little, but recent purchases have delivered plenty of creamy ripe fruit vs zesty lemon combo that makes this northern Italian (Garda) white so attractive, fairly concentrated flavour too. Instead of reaching for Pinot Grigio, get this one. £9.50 Asda.

Chloe Pinot Noir 2018 Monterey County California (14% abv): Slightly mysterious but bargain Pinot - as usual, can't find any mention of it on Lidl's website - which may have all gone already. Maturing silky and soft with seductive savoury cherry fruit, full-bodied peppery foodie (e.g. confit de canard) although approachable enough on its own. £8.99 Lidl UK (limited stores); US $16.

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