WINE INFORMATION

In 1931, an Italian named Francis Usseglio left Italy and came to Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône Valley, He worked with local wine growers until after the war when in 1948 he acquired his own property. He had two sons--Pierre and Raymond. Pierre Usseglio got his father's property and Raymond established another estate, Domaine Raymond Usseglio.

Stéphane Usseglio, son of Raymond, took over the domaine in 2004 and is pushing to reach the potential of the family’s holdings, some of the best of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  He has the good fortune to have very old vines.  Considered one of the top producers in the appellation, Usseglio puts out consistently stellar wine every vintage.

The vines for the white wine are 50 years old and are tended using biodynamic principles. "Les Claux" is a lieu-dit that borders Lirac in the commune of Saint Génies de Comolas. It is worked by hand in the same way as his famed red wines are grown.

TASTING NOTES

This medium weight blend gives scents of tangerine, pineapple and pear balanced by hints of brine and zest. On the palate, it is fresh, subtly floral and more minerally than most whites from the southern Rhone.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is excellent with seafood (try halibut or scallops) or with white meats such as chicken or turkey. You can enjoy it with a range of cheeses, pasta salads, mushrooms or creamy vegetable casseroles. East Asian dishes would also pair nicely.

Brunch Foods, Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Cream Sauce Pasta, Fish (white), Lobster & Crab, Pork