Domaine Galevan Cotes du Rhone Blanc Libre Expression 2023, Rhone Valley, France

This Rhone Blanc is made up of a blend of 80% Clairette with 10% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, from vines of up to 55 years old planted in a mixture of clay and limestone soils. The fruit is fermented slowly with native yeasts, gentle maceration for up to 12 hours, all preserving all the purity and depth of flavour in the old vine fruit. The Clairette really stands out in this wine, bringing great freshness and fullness all at once. White stone fruits galore on the nose, honeysuckle, hints of wild grasses and dry stone minerals. Lively and richly flavoured on the palate, there’s great texture and refinement. More peach and apricot fill the mouth, some zippy citrus notes, followed by a long finish that’s clean and pure with plenty of vibrancy.

Winemaker Coralie Goumarre is the first woman in nine generations to run her family’s 120 acre estate. In the male-dominated wine world of Chateauneuf and Rhone winemaking, Coralie has really carved out a name for herself. Coralie’s wines have been certified organic since 2011, and her commitment to quality over quantity has helped take her family’s wines from strength to strength. She has also received high critical acclaim and scores from the likes of Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck of the Wine Advocate. 

PAIRING: Fish and shellfish in acidic sauces, chicken in citrus-based sauces, grilled or sauteed green vegetables.