2023 Les Grands Bois Cotes Du Rhone Blanc "Le Viognier"

Marc Besnardeau is from Paris originally and before he met Mireille Farjon, he was a sommelier at one of the better restaurants in Paris (in the Montmartre section). In marrying her he not only moved, but also made the complete change from the city life to the life of a vigneron. The domaine that Marc Besnardeau has taken over is very well situated between the villages of St. Cecile and Cairanne. From these vines he produces several red cuvées, all deeply colored, ripe, robust and while one can think of many flavors to describe them, the word delicious pretty much says it all. A small amount of white is produced from young vine viognier, offering all the charming honeysuckle and white peach you might expect from a grand Condrieu, though leaner and fresher on the palate. Viognier is a fascinating pairing wine, seeming equally comfortable alongside shellfish, white meats, strong cheeses, or spicy southeast Asian flavors.