From: Languedoc-Roussilon, France

Varietal: Viognier

Established by Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas in 1835, Delas Frères remained a family business for over 140 years and is revered for the elegance of its wines. Already incredibly well respected, this Rhône powerhouse based in Tournon has now passed into the ownership of the Rouzauds – one of the wine world’s most powerful and discerning families who also look after Champagne Louis Roederer, Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Domaines Ott, Ramos Pinto, and Champagne Deutz.

So, you are in very safe hands, especially considering that head winemaker Jacques Grange worked for Michel Chapoutier and Jean-Luc Colombo before joining Delas Frères. Under his watchful eye the quality has gone through the roof, and the wines have gained an almost Burgundy-esque finesse.

Grown on the limestone-rich slopes near the three-tiered Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard, Delas’ Viognier is night harvested and vinified without oak to retain the freshness.

Tasting Notes: Considering its price, this wine absolutely blew us away. Oodles of finesse, it’s crisp and dry with apricot, peach, tropical fruit, exotic spices, and preserved lemon notes.

Pairing: It’s a go-to for tagines, Middle Eastern mezze, cured meats, anything doused in lemon juice, and all those foods that begin with an ‘A’, like asparagus, avocado, and artichoke, plus a multitude of poultry and seafood dishes.