Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes Du Rhone La Redonne 2018

Drink now through to 2022. No need to decant before serving.

This punchy white Côte du Rhône takes its name from a gorgeous Mediterranean cove close to producer Jean-Luc Colombo’s home city of Marseilles. Although the Rhône Valley is better known for its well-structured, long-lived reds, La Redonne is a textbook example of the region’s lesser-known whites which made up just 2% of the appellation’s wine production.

Composed of 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne, La Redonne begins life in prime vineyards planted on granitic terraces and alluvial plains. Intensely aromatic and typically full-bodied, Viognier dominates the fragrant nose with the Roussanne adding a balancing touch of freshness. The wine is vinified in stainless steel vats to emphasise the pure varietal character and then around 20% of the wine is matured in oak barrels on the lees to add complexity and a smooth roundness.

Exotic aromas of mangos and dates mingle with hazelnuts, white flowers and honey on the nose, while the palate features a fruity attack with apricot, peach and citrus flavours coming to the fore. Thanks to the full body, velvety texture and harmonizing freshness, La Redonne is an ideal option to serve as an aperitif or to pair with pasta carbonara, roasted chicken or baked cod served in a creamy sauce.