This luscious, slightly sweet and delightfully affordable white wine blend from France’s rather obscure Côtes du Gasgogne region in the southwest could be the best intro for those new to wine. The Grassa family uses grapes called Ugni Blanc [OOO knee blahnk] and Colombard [CALL um BARD] to make Domaine du Tariquet Classic but they formerly produced Armagnac — a spirit made by distilling grapes — from the same fruit. I’m glad they made the switch. (Read about Cognac, Armagnac’s neighbor)
This white blend has juicy aromas of flowers, red apple and pear, followed by flavors of tangy tangerine, creamy melon and more red apple. Finishes clean with a splash of lemon. It’s very easy drinking and fresh, interesting in personality and offers up medium acidity. Kind of a cross between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Viognier. Would pair with plenty of different foods and its price makes it easy for everyday grogging.
Sweetness: 3 out of 10
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Price: $9- $12
Occasion: Sample sent from the winery
Availability: On restaurant wine lists and independent wine shops
Food pairing: Asian dishes that aren’t spicy, poached white fish, roasted chicken
