2021 LIRAC BLANC, Château d’Aqueria. Southern Rhône

Lirac is one of the very best villages in the southern Rhône, a region chiefly famous for its big reds (most obviously Châteauneuf du Pape) but increasingly renowned for its rich but subtle whites.

Blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussane & Viognier.

An estate in the neighbouring village/sub-region of Tavel, with around 70 hectares of vines. Family-owned since the early 20th century. More than half of Raphaël de Bez’s production is rosé (Tavel’s signature style).

Full-bodied but not heavy, this is complex, aromatic white wine – not expensive for the quality. The weight of a Chardonnay, but more perfumed and exotic.