Herve Souhaut (Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet), Blanc 2022

Hervé Souhaut created Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet in 1993 and works 5-hectares of old and ancient organic vines, aged between 50 to 100 years old, with his wife Beatrice in France's Northern Rhone region. The domain is located in the hills of Ardeche in the tiny town of Arlebosc, about a 30-minute drive from St Joseph. The winery is underneath a 16th century fortified farm and sits in the middle of the vineyards. Blanc 2022 is made from a blend of 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne. The grapes were harvested and aged on their fine lees in second-use oak barrels for 8 months prior to release. Subtle, finessed and pure, the wine has an expressive nose of white blossom, apricot, peach and wet stone. The palate is rich and rounded, with further fruity notes along with honey and oak on the enveloping finish. A wine best paired with pork or poultry.