Archive: France: Other White

Arrogant Frog 2005 Chardonnay-Viognier Ribet White France ($9). A surprise tasting winner, with appealing, aromatic peach and floral notes giving a mellow edge to the juicy pear and toasty, vanillin oak character. Fruity finish. (Drinks with Les Dames 06/06)

Chateau Lamargue 2004 Costieres de Nimes Blanc ($12). 50% Grenache Blanc, 50% Roussanne. Offers plenty of flavor, including ripe apple, papaya and yeast, with refreshing minerality that emerges on the finish. Could stand up to the heartiest of chef salads — this is also a good choice for grilled chicken Caesars and the like. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/06)

Clos Poggiale 2007 Vin de Corse White ($24). This white from Corsica is 100% Vermentino and offers pure refreshment. Crisp, clean, lemony, with a mineral touch along the way. Ready to drink now. Works with seared tuna dishes, as well as other fish and shellfish. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-17)

Domaine de Nizas 2005 Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays d’Oc ($13). Loads of grapefruit is the star in this Languedoc (southern France) white, with fresh herbs and floral notes that add interest. A few of the Dames thought it was too much grapefruit and not enough style. From a Clos du Val collaboration. Ready to drink now. (Drinks with Les Dames 06/06)

Ey 2004 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Vigne Lavail ($16). Ripe red cherry and cola aromas and flavors are accented with rich vanilla, licorice and chocolate notes on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/07)

L’Ostal Cazes 2004 Viognier Vin de Pays d’Oc Circus ($13). A nice deal on a totally drinkable white — with aromatic apricot and citrus flavors, mineral and peach accents, and a fruity finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/06)

Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques 2003 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d’Oc Red Bicyclette ($12). Probably better known as Red Bicyclette Chardonnay, this wine shows nice depth, with its ripe pear and fig fruit layered with smoky oak, roasted hazelnut and creamy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

Lulu B. 2004 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d’Oc ($10). Easy, appealing quaff, with fresh, sunny apple flavors that linger on the creamy finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

Lurton 1998 Viognier Vin de Pays d’Oc Les Salices ($10). Interestingly, this happy little wine was a tasters’ favorite. It is peachy, if it’s anything. It is unexpectedly open on the nose, with a full wave of peach and floral aromas. And peach and floral are what you get on the palate, too. But there is still enough balance by way of the lightest touch of oak, as well as a little fig and hazelnut flavors to make this a thoroughly enjoyable wine. (Texas Wine Pick, Viognier Tasting 02/00)