Cairanne Blanc

We talked about red Cairanne earlier in the week, so let’s chat about Cairanne Blanc today.

Let me start by saying this 2020 Domaine Galuval Cairanne La Vallee is super cool. It’s a white wine from the Rhône Valley, made with a blend of 51% Roussanne, 24% White Grenache, 15% Clairette, and 10% Viognier grapes. I’d never had a Cairanne Blanc before, and I’ve become an instant fan. James Suckling is too. He gave it 94 points. This wine has a yellow straw color, and a nutty, flinty, honeysuckle nose. It almost smells like an oaky chardonnay, but tastes so much more complex and crisp. On the first sip it had much brighter acidity than I was expecting, followed by more honey flavors, and a very long finish. At 14%, the alcohol is high for a white wine, but it works. It doesn’t feel too hot in your mouth, like some high alcohol wines do. This Cairanne has a really nice balance.

This is a terrific white for chilly days, that I would pair with fish in heavier sauces, chicken, or pork. We were having shrimp with leeks and white beans in a lemony sauce the night I tasted it and I switched to a lighter white with dinner. The Cairanne Blanc would’ve overpowered our meal. I also think the honey flavors here would be great with Asian foods that have some spice.

It’s $23.90 at Saratoga Wine and a great buy if you’re looking to try something new.

Chin!