Southern French Whites for Summer

Looking for white-wines ideas this summer? Good timing. Because we’ve long been raving about what refreshing, floral, fruit-packed, saline deliciousness and incredible value for money is on offer in white wines from the South of France.

More specifically, from Southern Rhône, the Languedoc and Roussillon, where rich, opulent, spicy, deeply flavoured, Grenache and Syrah-led reds forever overshadow such ultra food-friendly white blends as these regions also produce. Varying blends of Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne…

Here, we’re going to lighten the shadow, and on a trio of brilliant southern French whites you should seriously consider for your list-of-things-to-drink this summer. We’ll also provide some ideal food pairings to make the drinking pleasure these whites offer ever more intense.

But first, the grapes…

Viognier

Viognier is routinely the main aromatic player in many southern French white blends, known as it is for its generous aromas of apricots, peaches, honeysuckle, and orange blossom. Naturally low in acidity and often full-bodied, Viognier imbues white wines with a luxurious mouthfeel and exotic flair.

Originally from the northern Rhône (notably Condrieu), it's now widely planted in the south where it thrives in warm climates. Whether used solo or in blends, Viognier adds rich texture and floral lift — perfect for dishes with spice, cream, or bold flavours.

Marsanne

A Rhône Valley native. Structured and weighty, bringing body, depth, and ageability to blends. Its typical flavours are pear, almond, honey, and white flowers, often with a waxy, lanolin-like texture that softens with time. On its own, it can be subtly complex; in blends it provides an excellent foundation for more aromatic partners. Marsanne prefers sun-drenched slopes and contributes to wines that pair beautifully with rich poultry, nutty cheeses, and creamy sauces.

Roussanne

Elegant, aromatic – the refined partner in white Rhône white blends. On the nez, lifted pear, herbal tea, citrus peel, and wildflower aromas, along with crisp acidity to balance out richer grapes like Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. Roussanne can be strikingly expressive on its own, and when blended, it adds finesse, freshness, poise, structure and longevity to a cuvée.

Grenache Blanc

A versatile white varietal most commonly found in southern France and northern Spain. A mutation of red Grenache, it gives wines generous body, moderate acidity, and flavours of green apple, citrus, fennel, and melon. In blends, Grenache Blanc adds roundness and herbal character, often with a slightly salty, mineral edge that makes it particularly wonderful with Mediterranean cuisine and spiced dishes.

Mas Carlot, ‘Générations’, Costières de Nîmes Blanc

‘Costières de’ where? A comparatively small appellation situated where the Rhône meets the Languedoc. About 30 miles southwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and surrounding its namesake town. Where Mas Carlot achieve remarkable elegance, depth of fruit and varietal expression whenever they blend Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier.

As they’ve done here. Floral, aromatic, balancing white peach, honeyed pear and citrus fruit with a textured, almost creamy finish, their 2022 is an utter delight with grilled sardines, sea bass, mackerel or prawns. Grilled asparagus, too. Salade Niçoise? Check.

And with this stone-fruitiness, creaminess and texture, the perfect cushion for your palate to take on what more fiery options North African cuisine might set upon it. Harissa-stirred cous-cous and a chicken tagine? You bet.

Why so good:

• Classic, southern-Rhône white expression for well under £15/bottle represents outstanding value
• Small-producer, artisanal, authentic craftsmanship
• Refreshing and flavoursome enough to be an ideal aperitif

Terre d’Eole, Picpoul de Pinet (Languedoc)

Conveniently, Picpoul de Pinet encompasses both grape and appellation names (Picpoul meaning ‘lip-stinger’, owing to its spicy nuance). Indeed, if there's one southern French/Mediterranean white that has exploded in popularity over the past decade, this is it. With crisp, floral, refreshing zesty citrus and green-apple flavours, its unmistakable saline lift and zingy acidity, it’s an absolute ‘no-brainer’ with grilled prawns.

Ditto oysters, clams and seared scallops. Or with cold crab or chicken salad, Greek salad – any summer salad, for that matter. With bouillabaisse, perfect.

This is real sipping-under-the-veranda stuff. Make sure you pour it outdoors this summer. Lots.

Why so good:

• Classic, authentic expression of a regional varietal from a small, unique, regional appellation
• Fabulous value at £12.45/bottle
• Versatile with cuisine and a superb aperitif for summer

Vidal-Fleury, Côtes du Rhône Blanc

From the Rhône Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery – since 1781– here is a masterclass in blending and finesse. Their 2023 is built around Viognier, then lifted by Grenache Blanc, and a touch of Roussanne.

Unlike many Rhône whites that can be a bit unctious and/or oxidative, Vidal-Fleury’s expression is bright and refreshing, with notes of honeyed apricot, white flowers, nutty nuances and a touch of spice.

As the weightiest of the three – and with terrific length, to boot – it’ll go the distance with grilled or rotisserie chicken (especially when with tarragon). Creamy pasta and risotto dishes, superb, and given such opulence of fruit and texture, it’s tailor-made for North African and Indo-Chinese spice.

Why so good:

• Prestigious, historic producer
• Wonderfully versatile with cuisine – sensational value at £15/bottle price point
• "A well-made, full-bodied wine with soft white peach and bitter almonds on the palate. Boasts a delightfully long creamy finish. Gorgeous."

Why southern French whites deserve your attention

With southern French winemakers embracing cooler fermentation, better vineyard management, varietal precision and expression, the authenticity, versatility with cuisine, sheer drinking pleasure and sensational value their white wines offer – especially at the circa/sub-£15/bottle point – has never been better.

Explore our other white options from the South of France here, where you’ll also find more popular, international varietals.

With summer soon here, there’s never been a better time to experience this pleasure and value. And perhaps to discover something new.

In the meantime, we’ll keep raving.

--David Adamick, FromVineyardsDirect