Mas de
Bressades, Tradition Blanc, AOC Costières de Nîmes 2009, 13.5%, €13.00, Bubble
Brothers, 4 stars.
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| Rhone-Setes Canal, south of Nimes |
I was surprised by the
quality of the whites from Costières de Nimes during last month’s visit to
Provence. The Costières, for some time now officially a Rhone wine, is based in
the area around Nimes, including the “wild” Camargue, in the Bouches de Rhone.
I spotted this on
the Bubbles Brothers site and was keen to compare it with one
that survived the journey home. Must admit I had meant to pick up the 2010
version but, with all the chat, ended up with the 2009. I needn't have worried.
Colour is a weak golden
straw and the nose is intensely aromatic. On the palate it is fresh and fruity
(grapefruit mainly for me), quite complex plus a pleasant flavoursome finish. A
very acceptable wine indeed.
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| Camargue ponies near Gallician |
But do watch out for
the 2010 version which according to the Bubble Bros site is “as fresh and
fruity as ever” and “an irresistible temptation to those who like the fuller,
richer style of white that comes from Roussanne and Grenache blanc” It is 50%
Roussanne and 30% Grenache.
Gallician Costières de Nîmes Prestige blanc 2010, 13%
Cave Pilote de
Gallician recommends that their white wines be kept for no more than two years.
No danger of my exceeding that as the sole remaining bottle from June’s French haul
was enjoyed at Tuesday’s barbecue.
Not exactly comparing like with
like here as the grape mix is different to the one from Bubble Bros. It is 50%
Grenache blanc, 30% Clairette and 20% Marsanne and the cost, at the Cave, was
less than four euro.
Colour is pale
yellow and the nose is moderately floral and, on the palate, it is fresh and
smooth with a decent finish. Not bad at all but the honours in this little
contest go to the Mas de Bressades.
To see more of my
June trip to some of the Costieres de Nimes villages, click here.
