Clos des Grillons, Papillon 2020

Place: Rhône, France

Grape: Grenache Blanc/Gris + Picardan + Vermentino + Picpoul Gris

Vibe: Pure + Pretty

Nicolas Renaud, the man behind these Grillion wines, is in my eyes one of the most underrated winemakers out there. A good pal of the Pfifferlings, there is an evident similarity in these bistro-bound bottles. Southern fruit married with an undeniable freshness. I guess this is a macerated white but as with all these wines it defies genre. I gave this a decant and was floored as each sip coaxed out new flavours. So good, I had to reach for a pan and paper to jot 'em all down. Old school. Anyway, here are a few cherry-picked notes: bitter almonds, roses, strawberry jam, marzipan. ABV: 13.5%