i was skeptical of this wine when i saw it on the shelf, but i recognized the "family name" and the village of bedarrides and chose to give it a chance. this was a good decision. this family has produced wines from chateauneuf du pape and the southern rhone since the late 1800's, based in bedarrides. the "big wine" is font de michelle chateauneuf du pape, perennially a an excellent wine. recently the family has expanded and created gonnet peres et fils which distributes their wines and produces southern rhone wines under its own label.
the wine is GONNET COTES DU RHONE BLANC 2008. this was not an exceptional year for red wines, but the wines were harvested at a different time and the year produced a number of excellent white wines. this wine is based on viognier with a small amount of clairette. i cannot locate any further information on vinification. it is pale in color and has an intensely floral aroma, with flowers, apricots, and honey. the taste is of apricot and peach with well balanced acid.
i paired this wine with seared ahi tuna with a spice and pepper rub, accompanied by sauteed potatoes, white asparagus, and herbs. the dessert was home made madeleines with star fruit and raspberries. the wine stood up to the ENTIRE meal.
this is not a wine to put in the cellar and try to keep, it is meant for drinking over the short term. it is flexible and affordable. the pennsylvania state store system has an abundance available. this is a good wine at a great price and is typical of the grapes and the region. i have no problem recommending it and have some set aside for the summer.
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