Château Paquette, 'Forum Julii Blanc', 2024, Côtes De Provence (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A bright, Mediterranean white with citrus, exotic fruit and a fresh, lightly savoury finish.

Tasting Note
Pale gold in the glass. The nose is open and expressive, with exotic fruit, citrus and a gentle herbal-spicy edge. On the palate it is dry, supple and delicate, with ripe fruit at the core and enough freshness to keep it feeling clean and lifted. There is a tender, persistent finish here that gives it a bit more shape than a simple holiday white.

Country: France
Region: Provence AOC
Sub-Region: Fréjus
Grape(s): 100% Rolle
ABV: 12.5%
Friendly: Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Château Paquette sits in a lovely spot near Fréjus, where the Provençal pine forest meets the red volcanic rock of the Esterel and the air carries a little of the sea with it. That setting tells you quite a lot about the wine before you even open it. This is not Provence in the pale-rosé-only sense – it is the broader, older Mediterranean picture, where whites can carry sunshine, herbs, citrus and a quiet salty freshness all at once. If the rosé is the postcard, the blanc feels a little more like the place itself.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Sea Bass with Lemon, Parsley and Olive Oil

- Vegetarian: Fennel and ricotta tart with a lemon-dressed salad

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