Finot, Thomas 2024 Coteaux Gresivaudan Verdesse

According to the hefty Wine Grapes book (Robinson/Harding/Vouillamoz), there were a total of about 2 hectares (5 acres) of Verdesse in the world as of 2008. Thomas Finot now says there is about 3-4 hectares total. Thomas started with an old plantation of about 2 ares (200 square meters, or .05 acres) and now has about 1.5 hectares, mostly of younger vines he planted. Verdesse is a grape that, according to Thomas, is green for a long time, and typically ripens late, gaining a golden and amber color at the "very last moment." The color is a glimmering yellow, with dashes of green. The nose is warm and bright, with a little smoke, grilled yellow apricot, citrus  and crumbled Provencal herbs. The palate is lighter and more mineral than the previous few vintages with lemons, orange zest, apricot, and minerals that expand beautifully in the mouth with brisk acidity and stone flavors and terrific lenght. This will be beautiful with a ceviche of fluke or flounder, any light fish or chicken dish and alpine cheeses. Lovely wine!