The weather has been unseasonably warm here in Tampa Bay and so I was searching for a white wine that would not overpower my selection of appetizers for New Year's eve, prior to popping the cork on some sparkling wines. I was serving a baked brie topped with a quick saute of shitake mushrooms and fresh herbs. Immediately I thought Chardonnay from France. But alas, most of the selections on this particular shopping trip were a bit pricey.
I found this blend of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc from the Costieres de Nimes region, located in France's Rhone Valley, enchanting. Crisp with an intriguing and not overwhelming nose. The kind of wine that you can't quite figure out in one or two sniffs. It may take several bottles over time to decipher all of its subtle notes. All of this and that warm fuzzy feeling from buying organic, makes it a purchase that I will be making again.
Cercius is a joint project between Michael Gassier, Philppe Cambie and Eric Solomon. For more information checkout their website.
Cheers!