Jean-Baptiste Souillard Marsanne 2023, Vin de France 750ml

Northern Rhône granite, a Becky Wasserman selection

Marsanne is the grape behind great white Hermitage, and this is that grape grown on the granite slopes above the Rhône in Andance, near Saint-Joseph. Jean-Baptiste Souillard works small parcels, some of his family’s vines planted in the 1970s. The wine is rich but not heavy, with ripe pear, apricot, beeswax and citrus oil, then a salty, savory finish that makes you want another sip.

Pour it with: roast or smoked chicken, Gulf shrimp, saffron risotto, or a washed-rind cheese.
Serve: cool, not ice cold (about 50°F), so the texture comes through.