2017 Auguste Clape Saint-Péray Blanc Rhone

Winemaker Notes: Shiny yellow colour; the nose is tangy, on a hazelnut-ginger theme, presents a muscled start. Air and a little warmth bring out tangerine and apricot. The palate is rich, oily, sustained, de la terre, suited to sauced dishes such as ris de veau [sweetbreads]. It has a red wine form, good late grip. The flavour is tangy, nutty, on dried fruits, tilleul (linden). It’s a hearty wine, juicy, wholesome, ends on some Marsanne bitter, with glow on the aftertaste. As it airs and warms, it becomes more coherent, on fat, but retains its late grip. “We only had enough wine for two small foudres this year. I think the strength, alcohol, can lessen, and the granite can come through,” -- Olivier Clape