Domaine Duffour (France) Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne 2000
This aromatic southern French blend is just a little hummdinger. It is a wonderful reminder that whilst the New World might steal a lot of wine drinkers’ attention when it comes to fruit-forward, vivacious, aromatic whites – like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – even modestly priced wines from lesser known regions of the Old World can fight back and compete head-to-head given good fruit, good winemaking, and an open mind. This has a terrifically punchy nose of gooseberry and greengage fruit. There are nuances of nettles and exotic passionfruit. On the palate it is packed with crunchy fruit and zesty acidity, a rich texture and a good length of tingling, vibrant fruit into the finish. This is straightforward, juicy, delicious quaffing wine with a bit of genuine get up and go. Berry Bros & Rudd 4.85.
