M. Chapoutier La Ciboise Blanc, Luberon 2024

This is the quintessential southern Rhône-meets-Provence style which, with the pedigree of Chapoutier behind it, you can trust to come up with the goods. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino and Roussanne, it's crisp, aromatic and full of easy charm. Citrus, pear and white flowers come through clearly, with a touch of herbs and gentle roundness from the warmer climate. Unoaked for purity, it shows balance and freshness rather than weight. There's a clarity and lift to the finish that keeps it firmly on the lively side of generous.

Good with grilled fish, shellfish or Mediterranean salads - its brightness and light herbal edge make an easy match.

One of the main players of the Rhône and, these days, further afield, M. Chapoutier’s history goes back to 1808. Still based in the northern Rhône’s nerve centre of Tain-l’Hermitage, the producer's vineyards span the length of the region and far beyond, even to Australia. The arrival of Michel Chapoutier in 1990 marked a turning point. His championing of biodynamic viticulture, coupled with exceptional vineyard sites, re-established the estate among the top Rhône producers. Their commitment to sustainable practices is absolute—no herbicides or pesticides, and a belief in biodiversity within the vineyards. Today, they own Europe's largest biodynamic vineyard and create some of the Rhône's most iconic wines.