(2022) Made in the Languedoc from Sauvignon Gris, and certified organic. I've included this very pale pink even though I can see no stockists of this 2021, and the retailer quoted is for a previous vintage. That's because it was one of my favourite - and most distinctive - wines this year. It has the grassy and vibrant punch of its Sauvignon heritage, then a fine, creamy-textured palate that balances peach and lime to delicious effect, finishing with a burst of juicy citrus acid.
(2022) Organically-grown Nero d'Avola from the west of Sicily, there's a firmness on the nose, a hint of something herbal even grassy to red berries. Plenty of bite and grip, a very small hint of 6g/l sugar offsets the acid that comes from higher altitude vineyards.
(2022) From a small estate in Corsica made by a woman winemaker in a family estate. Delicate pale pink, rose-hip and gentle strawberry sherbet, but pure and light. On the palate it is again light and very fresh and nimble, quite dry with its pithy acidity, the red fruit quite subtle.
(2022) What a lovely, refined and joyously delicious rose, based on Grenache, its typically pale colour is attractive, as is the peachy aroma, nuances of sherbet and small, redcurranty and dry berry fruits. The palate is refined and elegant, finely etched acidity enlivening the ripe, sweet summer berry fruits, adding edge and extra freshness. Nobody will be disappointed in this.
(2022) For a couple of quid more I'd go for the Etoile I must say; absolutely nothing wrong with this creamy and red berry, raspberry filled wine, but stacked against the Etoile, it is a little harsher in its phenolics and just lacks the delicate prettiness.
Tutti-frutti and pear-drop bright aromas for this Languedoc blend of Grenache and Cinsault. On the palate it is refreshing and citrus-zesty, light bodied and watermelon fresh. Simples, arguably a touch dilute? Enjoyable summer sipping.
(2022) Doctor John Forrest has refined a system of natural viticulture that reduces alcohol, including this blend of Pinot Noir and the white wine grapes, Arneis. A strawberry sherbet fruitiness, rhen the palate balancing a tart raspberry fruit with a touch of sweetness. Balanced and perfect for those watching their alcohol intake.
(2022) An interesting wine this, on one hand yet another Provence lookalike from colour to bottle, on the other a highly unusual blend of Pinot Noir (60%) and Zweigelt, from vineyards in Eastern Croatia. There's some flint and some herbs adding interest on the nose, and the palate balances a hint of peach and more raspberry fruitiness, with a decisive sour plum and lemon thrust of savoury acidity. It is juicy wine, showing salty, taut character that would suit Moroccan tagine perhaps.
(2022) A pale and rather lovely Provence blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this is all fragrant, light berries, watercolour paint and a touch of watermelon. The palate is bone dry and wonderfully brisk and racy, the small, firm, red berry fruits running into rosy red apple and lemon acidity that is decisive without being at all harsh.
