Domaine Pierre Gaillard, Roussanne Vin de Pays 2007, France
There’s been a little run of French wines as Wines of the Week, but why not: I think they know a thing or two about vino 🙂 This is a Roussanne from one of the Northern Rhone’s top producers, Pierre Gaillard, though this one is a Vin de Pays des Comtes Rhodaniens, from close to St Joseph and Condrieu, but outside the Appellation boundary of both. There’s a delightful touch of custard and honey on the nose, with a great ripeness of fruit beneath. The palate has a very tight focus, the sharp, lemon pith acidity pushing through. Orangy, fine fruit completes a picture of a Roussanne that has all the vibrancy and power of the grape, but also retains a keenly-honed edge that some examples lack. Lovely stuff from a vineyard that is in the middle of organic and biodynamic certification, and it should cellar for a year or two. £10.70, Berry Bros. & Rudd .
