Bois de Boursan Cuvee Le Petit Oursan Blanc

This Vin de France white is the entry-level cuvée from Domaine Bois de Boursan, the family estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape that Jean Versino founded in 1955 after moving from Piedmont. His son Jean-Paul runs it today.

It’s 100% Clairette, a traditional southern Rhône white grape, grown on vines about 30 years old in clay-limestone soils near Jonquières, just northeast of Châteauneuf. Fruit from two harvests goes into each bottling, and it’s fermented with native yeasts in enamel tanks with no oak, so the focus stays on freshness. The wine is clean and gently floral, with melon, citrus and fresh almond, and touches of fennel and anise. The palate is taut but full.

It’s a great everyday white and pairs well with grilled fish, shellfish, herb-roasted chicken or goat cheese.