L'Interdit de Guffens Blanc

Wine Type: White

Grape(s): Chardonnay, Viognier

Country: France

Region: Côtes de Luberon, Provence

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 14%

Winemaker: Belgians Jean-Marie Guffens and partner Maine Heynen are politely known as Flemish mavericks having moved to the Mâcon in the mid-1970s and learnt the ropes working for growers in the area. Over the last decade or so, they have expanded their vinous enterprises with the purchase of Château Closiot in Barsac in 2017. Style-wise, they are meticulous in the vineyards picking at optimum maturity while preserving freshness and acidity.

Tasting Notes: Vibrant aromas of jasmine and orange blossom leading to pillowy stone-fruit flavours plus vanilla, a kiss of oak and a whisper of savoury miso – all kept in line by refreshing acidity.

Winemaking: Planted on slopes around 400m elevation near the village of Apt, this Chardonnay owes its acidity to altitude and its texture and body to oak maturation and very ripe fruit. Picked through various vineyard passes to ensure fruit is optimally ripe.

Known for picking late but with several passes through the vineyards to pick at optimum maturity, Guffens’ style combines ripeness with freshness and minerality – these wines are fleshy and voluptuous but with a core streak of acidity and minerality that gives energy and verve to the ripe stone-fruit.

Food Pairing: Delicious with chicken or turkey, white fish dishes and seafood such as oysters.