Côtes du Rhône, "Blanc", Guigal, Rhône Valley, FR, 2024

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024

Rhône Valley, France

Now this one sounds delicious. It’s a 60% Viognier blend with Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc.

Professional reviews & ratings

• Robert Parker Wine Advocate — 90 points
  Fresh white-fruit aromas with a more fruit-driven than floral personality. Medium-bodied, juicy and round, with good balance and immediate appeal. Parker calls it one of the Rhône Valley's best values.
• Wine Enthusiast — 90 points
  Delicate aromas of gardenia, honeysuckle and baby's breath, followed by Golden Delicious apple and nectarine skin.
• James Suckling — 89 points
  Orange blossom and apricot with a medium-to-full body, ample texture and enough freshness to keep the generous finish bright.
• Wine Spectator — 88 points
  Fresh and vibrant, with chamomile, verbena, yellow apple and mandarin, followed by subtle mineral bitterness, fresh chives and flowers on the finish.

My translation

This sounds like a beautifully rounded, aromatic Rhône white rather than a super-crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Think:

Apricot • peach • yellow apple • mandarin • orange blossom • honeysuckle • chamomile • minerals

The Viognier brings the floral, peachy richness, while Roussanne and Marsanne help give it texture and substance. The citrus/mineral component keeps it from becoming too soft or heavy.

Where I'd put it on the table

This is screaming for seafood, particularly:

• Grilled or roasted fish
• Shrimp or scallops
• Crab
• Roast chicken
• Creamy seafood pasta
• Mediterranean dishes