La Font du Loups 2020 

“almond blossom, yellow apple skin and peach”

Jackson’s Note: Part of the joy of Crunchy Red Fruit is getting acquainted with small producers who own their own vineyards and farm them sustainably. Not only is the sense of connection to place stronger when you open the cork, but this usually means that the final product is made with a great deal more care than an industrial wine.

La Font du Loup has been owned by the Melia family since 1942, when Charles Melia purchased the property and began to revamp and repair the vineyards. “La Font du Loup” or the wolf’s fountain is the name given to the property, based on local tradition – this place was where the wolves would go to drink.

This wine is a blend based on ripe Grenache Blanc, supported by waxy Clairette and aromatic Viognier. For something grown in the warm and powerful southern Rhône, it’s surprisingly fresh. Notes of almond blossom, yellow apple skin and peach, with a hint of fresh roasting herbs and lavender. The high altitude of the vineyards is evident with how tart and structured this wine finishes.