Along the same lines, yet with a touch more richness, the 2012 Belleruche Cotes du Rhone Blanc (Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier) possesses, clean, vibrant notes of assorted golden fruits as well as excellent overall freshness and purity. It too is well worth checking out and is a rock-solid intro into the whites of the Southern Rhone. Drink now.
While more known for his top-flight Northern Rhone efforts, Michel Chapoutier produces a bevy of brilliant Chateauneuf du Papes, as well as a number of high quality, value-priced wines from throughout the Southern Rhone (and Languedoc).Looking first at his Marius wines, these are straightforward, yet impressively made wines that offer easy-drinking. They also sell for a song and over-deliver.
As to his Chateauneufs, he normally releases three cuvees, the La Bernardine being a blend and the Croix de Bois and Barbe Rac both single vineyard, 100% Grenache releases. Both 2011 and 2012 are strong here.
Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900