2010 Garcia Viadero Albillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain
Another obscure grape variety this week, but a Spanish white, albillo, which has been in Ribera del Duero for hundreds of years but which is rarely grown now because the DO doesn’t extend to white wines. Yolanda Garcia Viadero is determined to keep the flame burning, however, and has produced this appealing, medium-bodied dry white. It has floral, fruity aromas, peach, pear and a fresh herbal note on the palate, a soft mid-palate and a clean, citrus finish. Good as an aperitif and also with white fish (eg baked, herb-crusted cod). 13% abv.
£9.69–£10.99, Harvey & Sons (Lewes), Wine Time (Carnforth), winetimes.co.uk.
2008 Mas La Chevalière Peyroli, Pays d’Oc, France
Michel Laroche of Chablis fame is behind this Languedoc white, a blend of chardonnay and viognier (85:15) from the Peyroli vineyard which lies at a relatively lofty 400m. Moderate temperatures and the viognier component give lifted apricot and peach flavours and refreshing acidity; maturation in French oak gives breadth and succulence. 13% abv.
£9.50–£10.90, Robin Greatorex Wines; slurp.co.uk. For more stockists, contact Liberty Wines.
2008 Mas La Chevalière Roqua Blanca, Pays d’Oc, France
The red from Laroche’s Languedoc estate is a 50:50 syrah:merlot blend aged in French oak for 18 months. It has bright, fresh blueberry and blackberry fruit with touches of sweet vanilla balanced by savoury black-pepper, mineral and woodsmoke flavours and supple tannins. 14% abv.
