INSIDE'S PICK: 2021 CHATEAU DU TRIGNON ROUSSANNE COTES DU RHONE $23.99

Roussanne is one of the 'Big Two' white varieties in the Rhone, along with Viognier being the featured grape in the most famous and important wines of the region. While Viognier achieves most of its notoriety in the Northern Rhone with the wines from Condrieu, Roussanne is noted in both North and South with greatness found in Hermitage/St. Joseph, St. Peray and in many of the better Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blancs that are made.It isn't as prolific as Viognier and has issues fighting off certain weather related factors, so you don't find it experimented with often in other parts of the world or much in the way of inexpensive/everyday versions. When it does work, however, Roussanne can make some of the most distinctive, thought provoking wines anywhere, which is why wineries go through all the trouble to make them. Trignon is a producer in the Gigondas region, and their small parcel of terraced Roussanne vineyards sit at the edges of the Dentelles de Montmirail, providing what may be the best 'bang for your buck' you will find with this grape. First whiff is quintessential Roussanne; mixes of creamy white fruits, melon and citrus with exotic teas, flowers and vanilla. This alone is just about worth all the trouble growing it. The palate is much brighter and fresh than expected, showing nice mouthwatering acidity and citrus skin notes along with the round juicy palate, leaving with a nice drying skin tannin note to the finish. This is a wine you want to be able to spend some time with, enjoying the nuances, and feel welcome to throw you more exotic seafood, poultry or pork dishes at it, as it should be able to handle them in stride.

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