Wine of the Week! 10/02/23

Vignobles Fabien Castaing Letrinquer Aux Valses Des Papillons Côtes De Gascogne Blanc Sec

Regularly $19.99/On sale for $15.96
(33.33% Ugni Blanc, 33.33% Colombard, 33.33% Gros Manseng)

Côtes de Gascogne is an IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) located far down in the southwest corner of France. The Romans introduced grape growing to this region in the first century, so the Gascognians have been doing this winemaking thing for a few years now. :)

Fabien Castaing’s family started their property, Domaine de Moulin-Pouzy, in 1898 with one hectare. Sometime after the second world war, a family member had the idea to switch from a polyculture farm to a wine only operation, and the winery really began. These days, Fabien’s daughter, Laeticia, does the winemaking — the fifth generation of the family to do so. They now have 54 hectares and make wines that are meant to be easy to drink and to share. All have names of various creatures. Aux Valses Des Papillons means “the waltz of the butterflies,” exactly the kind of name you want a ballet suite or a southwestern French wine to have.

This organically grown three-way white blend is exactly as bright and fresh as the name suggests. The Colombard and Gros Manseng impart floral fruit on the palate, while the Ugni Blanc brings some crisp acidity to keep things in line. Each variety is fermented in stainless steel and then aged from one to six months on lees before they’re blended. This wine is perfect as an aperitif or with light veggie or seafood meals.