Sweetness: Dry

Grape(s): Viognier

Grape info: Until relatively recently, Viognier teetered on the verge of extinction, confined to the right bank of the northern Rhône valley, where it made the now world-famous whites of Condrieu. Renewed interest in its uniquely perfumed character rescued it from the brink and today it can be found in virtually every wine producing country in the world. In the right hands, it makes full-bodied, heady wines with distinctive notes of honeysuckle, rose and gingerbread.  

Info: Founded in 1749 as a rural relais on historic trade routes, Domaine Gayda was re-established in 2004 by Tim Ford and Anthony Record, who aimed to showcase Languedoc’s excellent terroir with rigorous, site-led winemaking. The Sphere range presents a series of varietal wines, using carefully selected Languedoc terroirs and a minimal-intervention approach in the cellar.

Tasting note: The expressive and charming nose opens on fresh apricot, complemented by delicate notes of clementine that bring a sun-kissed freshness. On the palate, the soft and rounded attack unfolds into flavours of orange, before revealing a gentle grapefruit bitterness on the close. The finale is elegant and persistent, lingering on subtle liquorice root notes, that extend the tasting with freshness.

Character: Apricot, orange, grapefruit