As suggested by Dave, I have moved what is developing into an interesting subject to its own particular thread.
I do know of the Cotes de Provence wines, but they are not our most regular tipple, though we are mainly red wine drinkers. For whites, we prefer the minerality of the Burgundy whites to the Bordeaux offerings; though do like the occasional Sauternes as a pudding wine.
We also like some of the NZ whites in particular, but hate the somewhat over-oaked Chardonnays in particular of Australia.
Viognier is an interesting hedonists choice that is now becoming very popular in the New World, and I recently bought a case of a South African 'industrial strength' Chardonnay that you might like to try -
Uva Mira if you like the full-bodied style of white wines.
We do not drink a lot of rose, apart from champagne, as although you are having fantastic weather in the UK at the present moment, I think sometimes what tastes just right on a sunny day in Provence (or in whatever sunny clime it was produced ), can be a bit insipid and under-whelming on a grey day in England! Just a personal opinion mind you and I know that Domaine Tempier is one of the elite!
Lastly another recommendation, you may know of the famous oenologist Michel Roland who was once considered essential to get a high Parker score, who owns a number of estates but produces a wine in Argentina (with six other friends as investors) - La Clos de los Sieta - and this is available in Waitrose at £12.38 per bottle. It's hard to find, but excellent value for the quality of wine.
Barbecue time soon and it will be washed down with a Saint-Émilion - why is it that the French still make the most of the Merlot grape and much of the New World offerings lack structure and character?
Cheers
Brian
