As regular readers of my blog will know, I am quite partial to wines from South West France, where you can find a real abundance of interesting and often unusual grape varieties. The huge diversity of grape varieties and wine styles found in this region is what makes it so compelling for the wine enthusiast.
Domaine La Hitaire ‘Les Tours’ 2019, Côtes de Gascogne
Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Gros Manseng are three grape varieties in this white Gascony blend and they complement each other very well. Ugni Blanc, known as Trebbiano in Italy, is a widely grown but relatively bland grape variety on its own but is often used in blends where it can contribute its natural acidity and floral notes. It is also used as the base wine for Cognac and Armagnac. Colombard brings with it flavours of peach and nectarine and Gros Manseng is an aromatic grape variety bringing crisp, slightly spicy flavours to a blend.
This is a dry wine with relatively low alcohol and a crisp, refreshing acidity. It has aromas of lemon, grapefruit and apple, with floral and herbaceous notes on the nose, and flavours of peach, nectarine and lychee, with a hint of spice on the palate. Well-balanced with a long finish, this is a perfect apéritif wine, and will go well with goat’s cheese, seafood, or a slightly spicy dish.
Available from Majestic £8.99 (£7.99 Mix Six)