Esprit de Labastide, Gaillac Perlé 2012, France
The perfect hot and sunny summer wine, being white, suitable for serving well chilled, fresh and relatively low in alcohol at 12% abv. It comes from Gaillac in the South West of France, where Perle is a speciality: this is not a sparkling wine, not even petillant, but it has the merest hint of spritz on the tongue. Made from 100% Mauzac, the nose is all about crisp and crunchy green apple and lemon – very summery and clean. In the mouth the sparkle is virtually undetectable. It is dry and all about clarity and cleanliness – it’s like a very grown-up, not sweet lemonade, with such nice thrust and agility. Watch the video for more information and specific food matching ideas. 5.95, The Wine Society, but see all stockists on wine-searcher.
