Originating from the Roussillon region of southwestern France (seemingly where the Pyrenees Mountains meet the Mediterranean) is the 2012 Cote Est Catalan from winemaker Jean-Marc Lafage. It packs quite a punch for a white, not in the alcoholic sense, but in the flavor. The 2012 Cote Est Catalan is a blend of 60% Granache, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Marsanne, and we had it with grilled roasted garlic and butter tilapia fillets, brown rice (chives as an accent from our own garden), and steamed veggies on this evening.

It’s crisp, it’s fruity (notes of citrus and flower to be sure), and not too much in the way of sweetness. Affordable, too. A sliver of some earthy mineral? Perhaps it satisfies some calm midpoint between a Pinot Grigio and a Chardonnay? I read one review that shared these accolades: “the lovely aromatics are followed by a crisp, elegant, slightly more textured, medium-bodied white with wonderful purity, freshness, and length. It is long and flavorful on the finish.”
I agree, and seeing how many nuances he could pick out reminds me–you too, readers–of how neophyte your reviewer is here in Notes. I will stay humble but diligent in the desire to learn and share more.