5 delicious white wines from Southern Rhône

Our experts say there’s no better time to rediscover the food-friendly charm of these much-improved southern Rhône whites. Find five quality while Rhones from Decanter's panel tasting (four are available in China).

‘White Rhone has been misunderstood for years,’ said Decanter’s Rhône expert John Livingstone- Learmonth. ‘But this tasting shows that the wines can now be considered as serious, with quality and real character.’

Find five quality while Rhones from Decanter's magazine panel tasting (four are available in China).

Wines

Château Val Joanis, Les Aubépines, Luberon, Rhone, France 2013 Château Val Joanis, Les Aubépines, Luberon, Rhone, France 2013

Château Val Joanis, Les Aubépines, Luberon, Rhone, France 2013

85

Commended

A broad bouquet, fat and ripe, with a note of melon and crème patisserie. The palate is opulent with white stone fruits, a near floral influence.

E.Guigal, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France 2014 E.Guigal, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France 2014

E.Guigal, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France 2014

86

Recommended

Attractive aromatics, not too overt but yielding white flower and peach kernel scent. The palate starts with floral and finishes more on grip and tang.

Château de Beaucastel, Vieilles Vignes, Châteauneuf du Pape, Rhone, France  2013 Château de Beaucastel, Vieilles Vignes, Châteauneuf du Pape, Rhone, France  2013

Château de Beaucastel, Vieilles Vignes, Châteauneuf du Pape, Rhone, France 2013

89

Recommended

Quince fruit, toasted aromas and a well layered depth. Ostentatious in its youth with a bergamot tone and lots of style.

Le Clos du Caillou, Le Bouquet des Garrigues, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France 2014 Le Clos du Caillou, Le Bouquet des Garrigues, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France 2014

Le Clos du Caillou, Le Bouquet des Garrigues, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France 2014

92

Highly recommended

Fragrant with airs of white strawberries, quince, and has pockets of mystery adding to its appeal. Interesting texture with local character and lots of precision. Fresh on the finish; perfect for food.

Domaine de L'Echevin, Guillaume De Rouville, Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Maurice, Rhone, France 2014 Domaine de L'Echevin, Guillaume De Rouville, Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Maurice, Rhone, France 2014

Domaine de L'Echevin, Guillaume De Rouville, Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Maurice, Rhone, France 2014

95

Outstanding

(Chinese distributor information not yet available)
The nose is mild, a little hidden, but gives a note of lime, and has depth. The oak is layered onto it. The palate reveals a tangy, orange marmalade flavour with a natural length and persistence. Drink with steamed fish, has the body for halibut as well. The finish is very orderly, with a salted moment. It is true to its place, very much so.