Aside from being from one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Provence, Sainte Magdeleine is said to be the top producer in the Cassis appellation. Cassis is also the oldest AOC in Provence. 75% of the wines produced in Cassis are white.

The 2007 Sainte Magdeleine is a blend of Marsanne, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, and Sauvignon. Muted aromatics with some orchard fruits, white flowers, honeysuckle and sea foam. On the palate, solid richness and a little oily with orchard fruits with a little apricot, a mash of honey and butter as well as a touch of citrus, herbs and salt. Good minerality, soft acidity, great purity and balance with a clean finish. Something about this wine just begs for seafood. This is one of those quintessential pairings — like a Chenin Blanc from the Loire with mussels, a Sauvignon Blanc with raw clams or oysters — the perfect match for fish stew, cioppino or bouillabaisse. 13% alcohol. Imported by Kermit Lynch.

Kermit Lynch says this is the best Cassis he has ever had — and he has been going to Cassis since 1971. I have had a number of bottles throughout the course of the year — and each time I have been impressed. I came home last night after a wonderful dinner at Et Viola!, poured myself a glass and got ready for today’s snowstorm, expected to be the worst DC has had in 25 years or more.  This would certainly would be one of the best and most interesting new white wines I have tried this year.

Some of my other favorite white wines I have discovered this year include:
Viñedos de Ithaca Odysseus Garnacha Blanca Priorat 2008
Bodega Ángel Rodríguez Martinsancho Verdejo Rueda DO 2008
André Perret Saint Jospeh 2007
Domaine Ricard Cuvee Les Trois Chênes 2008
Txakoli (post coming soon)