Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2021

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape often finds itself in the shadow of its famous red counterpart, but its quality is typically just as high. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Château de la Gardine is a prime example of this remarkable wine, one that deserves recognition.

Crafted from the typical grape varieties of the southern Rhone, this wine boasts delightful yellow-fruit flavours with characteristic herbal and spicy notes that make it truly special.

The 2021 vintage is distinguished by an extra freshness and a hint of lively acidity compared to previous years. Despite this, it remains a powerful representation of the region. Decanting greatly enhances its qualities. The absence of malolactic fermentation imparts a pronounced and precise acidity, offering a striking contrast to the wine's full-bodied nature.

On the palate, the wine is robust and energetic, with pronounced aromas of vanilla and nuts, giving way to beautiful citrus notes, clear herbal spices, and typical pear flavours with hints of very ripe apples. The acidity, though present, is well-masked by the wine's power and harmoniously integrated. It is strong and potent yet maintains a good drinking flow. This wine is both enjoyable and challenging for connoisseurs and gourmets, as it's not often one encounters such complexity outside the Rhone.

Perfect with fish dishes, it can also stand in for many red wines, showcasing its versatility and depth.