Tesco, Finest, Plaimont Producteurs, Saint-Mont, 2019

This wine is made for Tesco by Plaimont Producteurs, a large but very important cooperative in the Gers department of southwest France. The Saint-Mont appellation was granted AOC status in 2011, even though wine has been made in this area since the 11th Century. A blend of four local varieties Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, Arrufiac and Petit Manseng, the wine has quite intense peach and overripe melon aromas, with guava and yellow plum too. Rich and exotic candied lemon peel comes through on the palate. There’s good distinction of flavours here, with clear cut tangy pineapple, confit lemon, peach, apricot and nectarine. Six to eight hours of skin maceration for the Gros Manseng has given nice texture and grip, elongating the finish. A little spicy, with some orange peel and yuzu. Lovely.