This brand-new wine guide was launched this month under the auspices of Jancis Robinson MW at the Amstel hotel in Amsterdam.
400 wines were selected from a blind-tasting of 2,200 wines by the country’s three Masters of Wine, Cees van Casteren, Frank Smulders and Job de Swart.
The Rives-Blanques Pays d’Oc chardonnay-chenin, “with its seductive nose of melon, lemon, pineapple and nougat” was awarded 8.5 points. “Turkish Delight, Provencal peach, white blossom and melon sorbet follow in the mouth. Lovely freshness throughout the finish, thanks to 15% chenin in the blend.” Drink to 2022.
Its big brother, the barrel-vinified Limoux, Odyssée, also was awarded 8.5 points. “This Burgundy-like chardonnay with its attractive nose of peach, white apple, fresh mint and hazelnut, holds sappy citrus notes, white fruit, toast, and almonds in the mouth, and ends on a beautiful grapefruit finish. Nice and full, drink to 2023”, they said.
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