Domaine de Ménard Cuvée Marine, Côtes de Gascogne Blanc 2025

Cuvée Marine doesn't mean it comes from near the sea - not for 23 million years, that is. It's so called because the vineyards sit on an ancient seabed, with fossilised shells still surfacing among the roots. A typical Gascon blend of Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng, it has ripe stone fruit and pineapple up front, lychee and grapefruit close behind, and a faint chalkiness underneath that keeps it lively. These days it's 100km to the nearest seaside, but it's a pretty good seafood wine all the same.

Light and easy enough to drink on its own. Good with prawns, mussels or a simple fish dish - the citrus and chalkiness make it a natural match.

Domaine de Ménard, located in the heart of Gascony, is currently run by the husband and wife team of Henry and Elisabeth Prataviera. They manage 160 hectares of vines, producing a variety of white wines from traditional Gascon varieties such as Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, and Gros Manseng. Additionally, they cultivate some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for a selection of reds and rosés. Also, being in the right part of the country, they make a pretty decent Armagnac as well.