Readers will, I’m sure, remember the excellent Merlot-rich Sang du Sanglier from Ch. de Fayolle that we offered here with FromVineyardsDirect recently. Well, crikey, the 2016 Ch. de Fayolle Blanc (1), its sister wine, is every bit as toothsome. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon (just a bit) from low-yielding, naturally farmed, herbicide-free vineyards in Bergerac near Bordeaux, it’s crisp, clean and refreshing. The Sauvignon gives a lively touch of citrus, grass and herbs while the Sémillon adds depth, character and a certain roundedness. A white Graves of this quality from down the road would be twice the price. £9.95 down from £10.95.
And if classic, beautifully made, artisanal Sauvignon Blanc is your thing, then you’ll swoon over the 2016 Pouilly Fumé Les Aveillons (2). I’m told that FVD sourced it only a month or so ago and is struggling to hang on to stocks since it’s proved to be nothing less than catnip for its canny customers. Made with fruit from 65-year-old vines by the Millet family at Domaine de La Loge, it fair screams quality and boasts a deliciously intense mineral core fleshed out with luscious yet restrained citrus and white-stone fruit flavours. £13.95 down from £14.95.
The 2017 Horizon Rosé (3) is the entry level cuvée from those paragons of rosé making, the Negrel family of Mas de Cadenet near Aix-en-Provence, whose Sainte-Victoire label we’ve offered here countless times to whoops of delight. This is just the ticket too and is what la famille Negrel knock back at home. A gloriously sexy pale, pale pink, it’s a blend of Grenache and Syrah and full of citrus, herbs and a gentle dusting of spice. It’s about as tempting a rosé as you’ll find at a cheerfully amenable price.
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in