Domaine du Monteillet 'Les Hauts du Monteillet' Blanc 2023

The northern Rhône is home to some prestigious white wines - with prices to match - so finding this one which, though not sporting a famous name, has all the qualities of the region is a feather in our cap. Here, alongside Viognier and Marsanne, some Clairette has been added to the blend bringing a little added depth to proceedings which nine months spent in large old oak barrels help to emphasise. To the aromas of honeysuckle and ripe apricot, which give it a certain richness, there's a touch of spice and a subtle mineral note giving it all a nice, understated balance.

Works a treat with lobster bisque or seared scallops, the subtle spice and mineral edge really lift bold seafood flavours. Drinking brilliantly now, but you can also give it a couple of years.

Domaine du Monteillet's Stéphane Montez comes from a family who have grown grapes in the Northern Rhône for ten generations and, today, have vineyards across Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Cornas and Saint-Péray. Stéphane took over from his father Antoine in 1997, after gaining experience in South Africa, Australia, California and England. His style favours power and precision and this approach has kept the domaine's reputation on a steady upward slope.