too many to taste

suddenly the local wine shop shelves are full again, and a number of interesting items have occupied the empty spaces, or have replaced items unfit to drink. today's shopping expedition altered the wine options for our easter meal.

this post is backwards, i had intended to post last night's wine and menu (grilled chicken with a spicy rub and a short grain brown rice risotto with grilled peppers, onion, and garlic). but, my shopping trip and the need for lunch disrupted the plan. how many folks know where st. gilles is located? it is south of nimes and is in many ways the gateway to the camargue. the wines produced in this region- costieres de nimes- are little known to many here in the states. they are an extension of the southern rhone valley, but they have the influence of languedoc as well.

lunch is left over risotto and some pungent soft cheese of questionalbe origins and unknown age. the windows are open, it is 70 degrees, and the flowering trees are beginning to bloom. perfect lunch. i have decided to try a white wine.

the wine is pale, almost colorless. it has a floral aroma with a hint of citrus. the taste is melon, green apples, and oranges. the acid is crisp. this wine has seen no oak. there is a lingering sense of citrus in the back of the mouth and the nose long after the liquid is gone.

this wine is "domaine de la petite cassagne 2008 blanc." its backbone is grenache blanc, with roussanne and vermintino. the producer purchased this estate in 1998 as "domaine de la petite cassagne" and renamed it for her family, chateau d'or et de gueules. the domaine de la petite cassagne wines were retained and are widely available in the united states; robert kacher is the importer.

this is a wonderful spring and summer wine which paired well with my meal. it is priced under $15 and is easily comparable to higher priced wines. i highly recommend this wine. of note, rose and rouge wines also are produced under this label. another great find.