Font du Vent Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2024

Region: Southern Rhône Valley, France

Grape Varieties: 40% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc, & 30% Roussanne

Though the characteristic bird may be missing from the label, this is another exceptional Côtes-du-Rhône bottling from our friend Guillaume Gonnet. This wine comes from the winery founded by Guillaume’s grandfather, Etienne Gonnet, in 1950, and similar to Guillaume’s own label it is produced from varieties that offer a look at the “other side” of the southern Rhône, with less exuberant fruit and an emphasis on natural acidity and balance. The finished blend is roughly 40% Clairette, backed up by Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.

To make this wine, all fruit is harvested by hand and ferments separately in stainless steel. Once dry, the 3 varieties are blended and the finished wine matures in tank for 8 months before bottling. The use of stainless steel is deliberate as it preserves the varietal character and freshness of all 3 varieties with no outside influence from oxygen. When you open this wine, you will want to serve it slightly chilled, but not ice cold, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In typical Rhône fashion, this wine is highly aromatic with notes of fresh white peach, yellow plum, ripe pineapple, cornflower, and wet stones. Drink 2025-2029 with grilled pork chops, Thai curry with noodles, or hearty grilled fish such as sea bass or swordfish.