SOLD OUT! The 2018 Cristia Cotes du Rhone Blanc absolutely blew me away when I tasted it. It honestly reminds me of a Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc and a good one at that. This is White Rhone done right and it comes from a top-notch Chateauneuf producer.
A blend of 50% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette and 15% Roussanne, I can’t believe this hasn’t been rated. Oh, but it has! Yours truly scores this beautifully aromatic and fresh white wine at 93 points.
2018 Cristia Collection Cotes du Rhone Blanc
93 points Josh Spurling: "Drinks like a White Chateauneuf du Pape!"
SOLD OUT
Being that Domaine de Cristia is a top producer in Chateauneuf du Pape, it should have come as no surprise that their white wine would be tasty. But I’m really hit or miss with Rhone whites. These are wines made with grapes that can all produce excessive alcohol. So I often run into White Rhones that are kind of fat and alcoholic, lacking acidity and structure. The Cristia Cotes du Rhone Blanc is the exact opposite. It’s fresh and vibrant and vivacious, and I’m kind of in love with this one right now.
I think the fine folks at Cristia really nailed it with the blend on this one. From biodynamically farmed vineyards, the Viognier really shows nicely here contributing peach and apricot notes. And while the Grenache Blanc adds bright citrus and floral notes, the Clairette and the Roussanne add beautiful, silky texture to this one.
Jeb Dunnuck described the 2010 version of this wine quite well and that man’s got a way with words when it comes to Rhone Wines. He said it was “medium-bodied, fleshy, and pure on the palate. Upfront and delicious, with good acidity keeping it fresh and lively, it is a rock solid white that should be consumed over the coming 1-2 years.” I couldn’t have said it better myself and I think that description is quite accurate for the 2018 as well.
Serve this one nicely chilled and enjoy with some spicy Asian cuisine or just sip while your social distancing on your front porch. I promise you a sip of this will make everything feel better.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville