Terre des Chardons Clairette d'Eté 2019 Clairette Bellegarde

An expressive, leafy/minty nose, with notes of spring flowers, lemon zest, nectarine, garrigue herbs and a hint of stony minerality. As with earlier vintages of this wine, the palate is soft and creamy, with flavours of stone fruit, canteloupe melon, baked apple, soft citrus and fennel. And again, it possesses a touch of saline minerality, but with a good deal of zesty/citrus acidity and a hint of exotic curry spice (garam masala, ground fenugreek) which makes for a wine that is at the same time refreshing and savoury, with a long, tangy finish. Stylistically (and surprisingly, given it is a single "varietal") it is not too far removed from a really top-notch southern Rhone white. Perfect as an aperitif to go with a bowl of olives, peppers and cured charcuterie, but would be equally at home with fish with a creamy sauce, roast pork or chicken, or various cold cuts and salads. Certified organic and biodynamic. 13.5% abv. Biodynamic/organic.