La Soula Blanc, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes 2004

Posted by Andrew Chapman, 9:52pm 21/01/2008. Leave a comment

Just a quick Blog tonight... it's been a long day today!

But I had to tell you about the wine we drank tonight chez Chapman: La Soula Blanc, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes 2004. Quite amazing. After being in the wine trade for 20+ years (includes years in hotel trade) I try not to use the word 'amazing' too often.

This baby definitely qualifies. Sure, there are bigger, more full-throttle, 'in your face wines' about than this one. But this wine score top points for individuality and interest, as well as being very well made. It's an extreme wine in an area that usually make pretty non-descript whites. This is one of the exceptions, and so, amazing.

Grown at altitude high up in the hills of the Coteaux des Fenouilledes, this wine is mix of Marsanne and Grenache, plus some Chenin Blanc (yes, of all things, Chenin Blanc in Languedoc!).

The nose reminds of a Cottage garden on a wet day; slightly damp herbs and grass with hints of Summer flowers - touches of fennel even. Citrussy notes too - lime? M'mmm, distinctly herby in fact. Pronounced acidity on the palate, (from the Chenin Blanc no doubt), but managing to be balanced with a big, rich, herby/lime infused palate. Lots going on, but still stays focused

This wine caught me by surprise. Richard Kelley MW recommended it to me back in the Summer and, unusually, I bought it without trying it. Glad I took Richard's advice now!

La Soula Blanc, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes 2004

Was £20.50, now £16.51 in our January Sale

 Drank this tonight with a lovely Risotto made with fresh stock from last night's roast chicken (Mrs C likes to stretch the housekeeping). A quite lovely match, with the wine having enough flavour to work with the Parmesan and herbs in the Risotto, and enough acidity to cope with the creaminess of the food too.

Maybe I'll take the remaining bottles myself, unless someone beats me to it...

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