Domaine Fortuné Éole 2019 Languedoc

A blend of Grenache Blanc and Vermentino (a.k.a Rolle), fermented and aged for 6 months in barrique. The oak influence is very subtle, however, as fermenting in barrique extracts different compounds. The colour is a bright, limpid, pale/medium gold. The nose offers a complex array of white fruit and citrus aromas, with subtle floral/honeysuckle, herb and spice notes (cumin and coriander) - and more wet stone minerality than you can shake a stick at. The palate is quite rich, yet essentially bone dry, with those white fruit flavours to the fore, accompanied by subtle fennel, garrigue herb and spice nuances and plenty of mouth-watering acidity. There's a slightly savoury/saline quality and the merest hint of oak on the mid palate, countered by a refreshing mineral streak, leading to a very long, cool, minty/spicy finish. Although lovely as an aperitif, it really comes into its own when paired with food - broadly speaking, simple chicken or fish dishes, or perhaps a quiche or pissalidiere. A really beautiful and considerably complex wine, which is lovely to drink now, but will continue to evolve for at least another year or two.