Nearly 8% of the Rhône Valley production is white wine, although 25% of Guigal’s production is white. They remain the largest producer of white wine in the Rhône Valley. Their “Northern Rhone mindset” allows them to craft distinctive whites that are unlike their counterparts. They source their grapes for this wine from growers in the Southern Rhone. Philippe Guigal has always had love affair with the aromatic profile and freshness of Viognier, which is why it dominates the blend in this wine.

The 2020 E Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc is composed of 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8 % Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 2% and Grenache blanc, which is completely fermented in stainless steel tanks. The medium-straw yellow hue immediately entices you to discover what’s inside the glass. Floral aromas of lemon curd, mango and some stone fruits bring you in for a closer look. There is a sudden burst of tropical fruits on the palate backed by some refreshing minerality that keeps this wine lively and energized. The modest price point of this wine makes it a go to at any time of the week.

By W Peter Hoyne