I’m looking to expand my personal selection of white wines in the coming months… and I am looking for unique and different. There isn’t a huge market for these, so I am just bringing in a little extra to satisfy the adventurous types. Are you game?

Let us start with white wines from the Rhone Valley. Only about 6% of the Valley’s wines are white, and most never leave the region. Which is a shame because they are delicious! There are definite similarities with the great whites of Burgundy, as they possess a fair bit of weight, balanced by vibrant acidity and the ability to age for decades. The flavor profiles are, of course, very different… but if you enjoy Burgundy, I’d wager you will enjoy these!

As a little learner’s kit, here we have a Chateauneuf from the Southern Rhone, and a St. Joseph from the northern part of the Valley. Both are roughly half Roussanne, so you can see similarities and differences thanks to their blending grapes and other winery choices. Read on… then order quickly, as I only have 3 cases of each available.

Guillaume Gonnet Belle Amie Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2019

Sale $34.99 – Beats Best US Price Online

Sourced from 40 year-old vines in the famed La Crau and Croix du Bois vineyards. 50% Roussanne / 50% Clairette vinified and aged in stainless steel. 13.5% alc.

A bit of a chimera: the Clairette offers lime and floral notes and vibrant, crisp acidity while the Roussanne provides an underlying weight that elevates this wine to another level. There’s hints of lichi, peach, honey and nectarine all balanced by a slightly saline finish with loads of acidity. If you age the wine, nutty, honeyed and toasty aromas and flavor will develop – or so I am told, because I can never keep my hands off!

The winery suggests pairing with seafood, freshly shucked oysters served with lemon and lime wedges, pan seared scallops served with a mango and chili salsa, garlic prawn linguini, or Boston’s famous Lobster Hamburgers. This wine also marries well with fresh goats’ cheese.” I think they mean lobster rolls? In any case, that sounds like quite a spread!

Eric et Joel Durand St. Joseph Blanc 2019

Sale $37.99 – US Exclusive!!!

92 pts Jeb Dunnuck

From young vines (only 5 years old!), this gem is composed of 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne from the Northern Rhone appellation of St. Joseph. While Gonnet’s Roussanne is harvested early, the Durand brothers harvest at “regular” timing, letting the Roussanne reach full maturity. With 30% barrel aging to boot, the wine is richer and more honeyed as a result. (Note: honeyed refers to the flavor and weight, not sweetness!) The Roussanne still provides vibrant acidity, while offering up aromas of apricots and nectarines, along with pears and beeswax. The Marsanne is the decadent partner, adding aromas and flavors of figs, almonds, Meyer lemon and anise.

“the 2019 Saint Joseph Blanc is a beauty that's well worth seeking out. Lots of buttered citrus, pineapple, and subtle quince as well as some toasty, nutty, honeyed notions emerge from this medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant white. It's a classic Saint Joseph white to enjoy over the coming decade.”

Pair with rich seafood dishes like lobster, crab and scallops. You can also reach for chicken or pork. I find a slight grill flavor accentuates the exotic fruit of the wine.

Please reply to order. The wines will be available Friday, as ordered, in both stores.