£12.80/£10.60, Tanners Wines
This wonderfully original and delicious dry white is from a family-owned and run organic estate in Corbières that has been in the family since 1750 (I love that kind of continuity). Although it’s in the Corbières region, the wine bears the simple classification Vin de France because it’s made from an array of grape varieties, including several non-traditional: Petit Manseng from southwest France, one of my favourite white grapes, out in front at 38%, then Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Albariño, Verdejo and Maccabeu (aka Viura or Macabeo in Spain).
The grapes are hand harvested and sorted and the wine is partially vinified and aged in oak, the lees stirred (bâtonnage) to give weight and rich texture to citrus, floral, peach and wet-stone aromas and a flavour of ripe quince with hints of apricot and ginger. It’s an obvious match for fish and seafood, including in creamy sauces, and chicken with herbs and spices or richer sauces. It’s on offer at £10.60 when you buy three bottles until September 2. 14%
Domaine de la Cendrillon Nuance Blanc 2018, Vin de France
£12.80, or £10.60 when you buy three or more until September 2, 2019, Tanners Wines