Domaine de La Solitude, Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2025

$25.00

The Lançons are one of the oldest families in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Florent Lançon, the eighth generation, runs Domaine de la Solitude today. This is their everyday white, a Côtes du Rhône led by Clairette with Viognier and Grenache Blanc, fermented and aged eight months in stainless steel so nothing muddies the fruit. The 2025 is the current release. It carries Châteauneuf pedigree at a quarter of the price, and it drinks like it knows it.

Citrus and apricot on the nose with white flowers and ripe pear. Round, generous mid palate, peach and melon flavors, then a fresh, flavorful finish with a snap of citrus zest.

Roast chicken with herbs, grilled trout, soft goat cheese, or a spring vegetable tart.

Grapes are picked in the cool early morning and fully destemmed; fermentation and eight months of aging happen in stainless steel to protect the aromatics. The importer lists recent bottlings as Grenache Blanc based with Roussanne and Viognier, so the mix shifts a little vintage to vintage.