Domaine des Cassagnoles Reserve Selection Cuvee Gros Manseng

The Gros Manseng grape is unique among white varieties. The grape is thick skinned and the free run juice it releases is greyish in color. As the juice settles, the color transforms into a brilliant, deep yellow, nearly golden color. It takes a deft touch to produce elegant and refined wines, as a rough pressing or too much skin contact can yield bitter and unpleasant wines.

Father and daughter Gilles and Laure Baumann have mastered the idiosyncrasies of this tricky grape, and their version is fantastic year in and year out. Offering up heady notes of apricot, caramelized grapefruit, lime zest, green plum, and spice, this is crisp, rich, and complex on the palate. Excellent as an aperitif, it also loves poultry and richer fish and seafood preparations.