IGP Méditerranée: Domaine Saint Gayan 'Argiles' Blanc 2020

From the dependable Domaine Saint Gayan, a refreshing IGP blanc made from roughly half Picquepoul Blanc, with the rest mainly equal parts of Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. The Meffre family wanted to make a refreshing blanc to drink themselves using Picquepoul as a base. They chose a blend of Picquepoul for its acidity, golden hue and minerality; Bourboulenc for its intensely fruity aromas and Grenache Blanc to add structure and weight. They suggest drinking it as an aperitif or particularly with fish, shellfish and crustaceans in particular, especially oysters.

In the mid-1990s, the Meffre family managed to acquire a few parcels of vines in the commune of Camaret-sur-Aygues, west of Gigondas. It has been since re-planted with varieties likely to withstand increasing temperatures amid climate change, being a fairly weather-beaten site with vines constantly buffeted by the Mistral wind. The soils have a large proportion of clay content which helps retain water in warmer months.