France: White

Lafond Roc-Epine Lirac Blanc 2020, Southern Rhône

A classic example of a great white wine from the Southern Rhône; from the Cru appellation of Lirac. An opulent ‘oily’ texture with stone fruits and refreshing minerality; a Rhône hallmark.

The Lafond family’s winemaking heritage dates back to 1870 and the family-run estate now own holdings in Lirac, Tavel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and as well as the generic Côtes du Rhône appellation. The estate was recently headed up by Pascal but more recently, his two sons Gregoire and Jean-Baptiste run the full operation with the former in charge of winemaking and the latter managing the commercial entity. All Lafond wines are produced organically.

Henri Darnat ‘La Jumalie’ Bourgogne Blanc 2017, Burgundy

Marvellous craftsmanship by the Darnat estate with the majority of Chardonnay being fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity of fruit, while small parcels have been treated separately in oak, adding complexity to the blend. For those less keen on oaked whites, resist the temptation to overlook this stunning wine.

Stewed orchard fruit with notes of toasted almond are balanced with fresh zesty lemon; providing a sterling example of the kind of Bourgogne Blanc that can be found within the Cote de Beaune.

Fontimple, Vacqueyras Blanc 2018, Southern Rhône

It’s a wonder white wine production in this region is so dramatically overshadowed by red, when this is what can be achieved! This glorious Rhône Blanc has been blended from no less than five principle Rhône varieties, sourced from various parts of the appellation with different terroirs; including soils with river stones on the surface, zaffer, and deep clay.

The higher proportion of viognier in the blend offers notes of stone fruit while the other varieties offer depth and classic Rhône minerality. A wine to dine with and savour, produced by one of the quality lead cooperatives in this highly regarded Southern Rhône Cru.