Calmel & Joseph, Villa Blanche Chardonnay, 2024, Pays D’Oc (IGP)

'One-Liner'
A ripe, polished southern French Chardonnay with tropical fruit, gentle oak spice and a long, creamy finish.

Tasting Note
Light yellow with golden highlights in the glass. The nose is expressive and well balanced, with white flowers, mango and vine peach, then softer notes of vanilla, coconut milk and a touch of gingerbread. On the palate it feels fresh but full, with apricot, peach and pineapple, plus a lightly creamy, buttery edge and a long, rounded finish. Generous, but still kept in line by a lovely mineral freshness.

Country: France
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Sub-Region: Pays D'Oc IGP
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 13%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
Wine Merchant Top 100

The Story
Villa Blanche is one of Calmel & Joseph’s signature wines and one of the flagship bottles in the range. The producer places it in the Pays d’Oc, with fruit from volcanic and clay-limestone soils under a warm Mediterranean climate. Stylistically, it sits in that very popular modern Chardonnay space – ripe and textural, with a little oak-derived creaminess, but still fresh enough to stay balanced and very drinkable.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Lemon-herb roast chicken with new potatoes

- Vegetarian: Sweetcorn, leek and cheddar tart

- Vegan: Butter bean, fennel and lemon traybake with herbs