Domaine de Papolle, Côtes de Gascogne (France) 2018

 Domaine de Papolle has been known for its fine distilled spirits (it is ranked among top tier producers of the Armagnac and Bas-Armagnac regions) but it also turns out some excellent Côtes de Gascogne wines such as this very appealing blended white wine.  Based on local grape varieties such as Gros Manseng, the wine also incorporates “international” varieties.  The estate is now owned by father and son Bernard and Frédéric Piffard.  “We want the grapes to speak for themselves,” Bernard Piffard has said.  The summer-y white blend includes 60% Colombard, 20% Ugni Blanc, 10% Gros Manseng and 10% Sauvignon Blanc.  Try the wine and hear the grapes speak for themselves.