2011 French White Blend Wine

Although the more familiar examples of Vermentino come from northern Italy (particularly Liguria) and the island of Sardinia, the grape variety is also found in France, where it is usually referred to as Rolle. Château Pigoudet, located in the north of the “Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence” appellation, has done something quite innovative here, blending the plump, floral Vermentino (85%) with the bright, steely Sauvignon Blanc (15%), to create a light, cool, sophisticated wine that's as airily refreshing as a Mediterranean breeze. Brilliant pale yellow in color, this offers fresh, floral flavors and aromas of peach, almond and Provençal herbs, with notes of white grape jam hovering in the background.