Except for Burgundy, most wine regions in France are better known for one wine color or another. But a region’s “non-dominant” wine color is often fascinating and delicious. One of our favorites is white wines from the Rhône Valley.
Southern Rhône whites can be lovely, but in hot vintages often struggle to achieve balance. But we’re quite fond of northern Rhône whites, in particular Denis Basset’s Crozes-Hermitage blanc. Basset’s white is a Roussanne-Marsanne blend (70/30), and the only wine of its kind in our portfolio: rounder and more tropical than white Burgundy; more tension than Condrieu; more softness than our Loire whites.
The 2023 has just arrived and it’s outstanding – the nose is soft and enveloping, with tropical notes of mango, pineapple, and green tea. The mouth is rich and round, but well balanced, showing nectarine and honey notes. There’s so much exotic fruit in the nose you almost expect this to be sweet, but the mouth finishes cool and soft and dry with terrific tension.
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St-Clair Crozes-Hermitage blanc “Un Matin” 2023
bottle price: $25
