More serious and rich, the 2012 Cotes du Ventoux La Quintessence Blanc is 80% Roussanne, 15% Clairette and 5% Viognier that was fermented and aged in new and 1-year-old barrels. Loaded with notions of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, toast and white peach, it is medium-bodied, beautifully fresh and shows loads of class and length on the finish. It also stays remarkably fresh and focused and will be versatile on the dinner table.
Easily one of my favorite estates from the up-and-coming Ventoux region, Chateau Pesquie is run by the talented brothers, Alexandre & Frederic Chaudiere. The wines sell for a song, yet always deliver high-quality, loads of character and impeccably made profiles.
Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565