Mathouans 2021 Vin de France Mine de Rien

This wine from Aline Hock in the Agly Valley of Roussillon is produced from the Muscat Petit Grains grown biodynamically on schist soils. Vinified semi-carbonic on the skins for about 20 days, it pours a hazy yellow in the glass. On the nose it bursts with classic Muscat aromas: orange blossom, fresh grapes, honeydew melon and chamomile. "Mine de Rien" is full-bodied and shows bright mandarin orange, minerality and a gentle herbal note on the palate and finishes dry and saline. The wine has an exciting tension between density and bright citrus and salinity, complemented by its exuberantly fruit and flower driven aromatic character. Drink now with lighter Mediterranean food or warmly spiced chicken dishes: think olives and feta, tagines, or even jerk chicken. -BF