Le Petit Vin d'Avril blanc VdF

A dry white wine for everyday drinking, built with a straightforward hand and aimed at the elegance Vincent Avril calls his guiding principle. The 14.0% ABV carries fruit that stays taut rather than broad.

Clos des Papes is located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône Valley. The Avril family has lived in the village since the 1700s and has run the estate since 1896. Paul-Vincent Avril, known as Vincent, took over in 1988, after stints at Mouton Rothschild, Mount Mary in Australia and Domaines Ott. He has farmed the 32 hectares under certified organic practices since 2010/2011.

The blend combines Chardonnay and Marsanne. The Chardonnay contributes acidity and drive, while the Marsanne adds fuller texture with notes of pear, nut and honey. In the cellar, the estate's purist approach applies: old foudres of 20 to 55 hectolitres, no new oak.

Pale straw yellow with greenish highlights. The nose shows lemon, white peach and pear, alongside blossom, almond and herbs of the garrigue. Dry and juicy, with vibrant acidity, a creamy mouthfeel and a finish that picks up the fruit once more.

Pairs well with baked fish, mussels and pikeperch, as well as chicken in herb butter, goat's cheese or a vegetable risotto. Well chilled, it also makes a fine aperitif.

Vincent Avril deliberately bottles only one red and one white cuvée; this wine sits alongside them as an accessible everyday wine. His wines are exported to 39 countries. The estate has sourced its corks from the same Portuguese producer since 1926.