It is difficult to dissuade me from a white wine with Viognier and Rousanne in the blend. This Château de Nages is 50% Grenache, 30% Rousanne, 15% Clairette and 5% Viognier. It rested in a combination of concrete and barrels. The cement is detectable on the palate.
Aroma: Peach, kiwi, apricot, honey and some gritty stone.
Palate: Expecting more of a tiger I get almost a soft and lush wine but its discrete acidity and Grenache Blanc keeps it in line and from becoming flabby. It is medium bodied and politically can’t seem to decide what side to take. No love handles on this wine. In fact with Rousanne and Viognier in the blend I am surprised it is not showing some pineapple and mango? Could it be the Grenache Blanc and Clairette is keeping the frivolous Viognier and Rousanne in check?
Personality: If you have come to me with Rousanne and Viognier flashing in your eyes and expecting a party ratchet down your expectations somewhat and no you won’t get a poetry reading but perhaps a retirement party sprinkled with some low-keyed fun.
Food Match: Hoppity hop there goes the rabbit. A good multi-purpose bistro wine.
Cellarability: Can improve over next year as more fruit asserts itself. Consume by the end of 2025.
In a nutshell: A white wine with gumption and presence. The Rousanne and Viognier save it from boredom.
Price: $22.95 (Ontario).
RKS Wine Rating: 88/100. jebdunnuck.com 92.
(Château de Nages Héritage Blanc 2020, Costières de Nîmes AOP, Famille Gassier, Caissargues, France, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 479659,750 ml, 13.5%)
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