Corbières Wine
Lying in the viticultural heartland of Corbières, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, at the foot of Mont Alaric, Jean-Pierre Py's eponymous Domaine Py extends over 130 hectares all of which have been farmed organically since 2008. White wine accounts for just 2% of production in this historically red-focused region so is a relative rarity. Jean-Pierre's characterful '3ème Cuvée' is made from a blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino and Roussanne that is fermented on its lees to impart as much flavour as possible. With a pale straw colour, wild herb and flower scents and a russet apple palate with nervy mineral notes, it doesn't demand food accompaniment but will stand up well to salads, seafood and poultry. A more prolific red stablemate called 'Cuvée Mondière' is blended from 45% old-vine Carignan, 35% Syrah and 20% Grenache Noir. It has a briary black fruit bouquet and core of dark cherry and blackberry fruit supported by supple tannins. It makes a fine partner to confit de canard or cassoulet.