2019 Castelnau 'L'llle Pays d'Oc, France Viognier

The estate spans approximately 222 acres near Beziers in the south of France. Béatrice and Christophe Muret acquired it in 1997, and today produce a range of Vin de Pays wines that are known far and wide for their varietal character.

One of the shining stars of the cellar is the Viognier bottling that’s nicknamed “L'Ile,” which translates to “the island.” All of the grapes for the wine were harvested at night to preserve their quality and personality, and that’s why the finished cuvee displays true varietal Viognier character.

In southern France, the locals love to drink this wine, which is brimming with bright fruit flavor, with pike in court-bouillon topped with hollandaise sauce. It also would be the perfect pairing partner for seared sea scallops and pumpkin risotto. And it’s a wonderful sipping wine as well.