Mas de la Deveze, 'Pandore', Cotes du Roussillon White, France 2023

The Wine

Described by the owners as "La Rolls Royce de nos vins blancs", this is a seriously impressive white for the price. A blend of Maccabeu, Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, it has that delicious, lightly toasted oak character that you find in good white Burgundy, mouthwatering peach and citrus fruit, crisp, balanced acidity, floral notes on the nose and a long refreshing finish. This is stop-you-in-your-tracks stuff. 

The Domaine

A small family domaine in the heart of the wild Agly Valley in Roussillon, southern France. The area has a long history of vine growing but the domaine as it is today was established by Simon and Nathalie Hugues back in 2012. They have 30 hectares under vine, aged up to 60 plus years, which surround the 'Mas' where they live. They practice an 'agriculture raisonée' using treatments only when strictly necessary.

The Appellation

Roussillon (one of the most southerly appellations in France) is beginning to make a name for itself as a source of very high quality, keenly priced wines ("fast becoming the most exciting wine-producing area in France" reckons Tim Atkin MW)

Although the region makes mostly red wines, some superb white is made using native grape varieties such as Maccabeu, Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc. These are comparable in style to the whites of the southern Rhône.

N.B. This is a pre-shipment offer. The wine will be arriving in the UK at the end of October. As soon as it arrives I'll give you a heads up regarding delivery.