Most of us stay in the safe lane with our white wines—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Easy, familiar, and often compelling, but sometimes forgettable.
Take a walk on the wild side, and try Chave's phenomenal Circa Saint-Joseph Blanc, a wine that steps completely outside of the norm, and one that Wine Spectator rated 94 points:
"There’s beautiful, creamy fruit purity to this rich yet energetic version, with fleshy yellow apple and golden plum threaded with dried herbs and racy mineral energy. Shows just the barest kiss of oak on the well-meshed finish, with bitter pithiness. Delicious, lush and bright. Drink now through 2030."
First, what is it? The grapes that make up this exotic white are Roussanne (60%) and Marsanne (40%), two of the great white varieties of the Northern Rhone Valley. Not about sharpness or simplicity—this is about texture, depth, and quiet complexity. Orchard fruit, dried herbs, a touch of honey, and that signature Rhone richness that feels layered without ever getting heavy.
But what really makes this bottle matter is who’s behind it. Domaine Jean-Louis Chave isn’t just respected—they’re one of the benchmark estates of France—all of France! For generations, they’ve defined what great Hermitage can be, producing wines that are studied, collected, and talked about alongside the very best in the country.
The Circa Blanc drinks like a miniature version of their Hermitage Blanc, which would set you back hundreds of dollars. Same philosophy, same precision, same unmistakable signature—just made to be opened now, without the price or ceremony.
This isn’t a “starter” wine. It’s a window into one of the most iconic producers in the country. We don’t see much of this, and once people connect the dots between producer and price, it moves quickly.
If you want a white that actually feels like something—and comes from a name that carries real weight—this is it. 36 bottles available—grab yours while I've got some!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
