2022 Der Pollerhof - Gruner Veltliner Liters ORGANIC (1L)

I went out of my way last year to visit this beautiful property located right in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers between the Garonne and the Dordogne, not far from Saint-Émilion. A very beautiful terroir, and their Merlot based red is easy-drinking yet has some very fine complexity. WSJ columnist Lettie Teague wrote up the Chateau after we sent her a bottle to try for one of her columns. Perfect burger on the grill wine! -Phil

This wine consists of 100% Picpoul (or Piquepoul) - a very popular, traditional local variety planted on sun-drenched hillsides called "costières" (coastal region) in the Mediterranean garrigue, near the Etang de Thau - a coastal lagoon situated between the port of Sète and Marseillan. The vines are 15-20 years old.

The garrigue is the name given to open scrubland made up of low-growing, dwarf bushy shrubs including holm oak, juniper, broom and wild herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage.

The color is a superb pale yellow with bright hues. The nose is elegant, with aromas of fresh fruit and citrus fruit especially grapefruit. Well-balanced with typical focusing and zesty acidity.

A pure expression of the grape varietal, the wine shows how good Picpoul can be when grown on its favorite terroir. Our best value, this wine impresses novices and hardened geeks equally.

One of only 18 Cru Classé estates in Provence. It’s classic Provence rose –pale, crisp, aromatic and dry. And as you know has always been run by women with the exception of one generation. Another Bassin's direct import discovery.