So pale as to have almost no pink color visible. A beguiling nose of strawberry, peach, and fresh flowers. Very expressive on the palate, with delicate but assertive fresh fruit coming on and the acid kept in check. Finishes with a small flourish, yielding a really lovely wine that is refreshing yet not insipid. Pair with seafood, especially shellfish. Highly recommended.
WHO: Château d’Esclans
WHAT: Grenache (73%), Rolle (4%), Cinsault (9%), Syrah (8.5%) and Mourvèdre (5.5%).
WHERE: Côtes de Provence, France
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $20 (Media sample)