Effet Papillon, Roussillon

Organic

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Marjorie & Stéphane Gallet
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Fabulous Food Wines

Marjorie and Stephane Gallet have become the darlings of the Michelin 3-star set in France with their spectacular array of Domaine Le Roc des Anges wines. However, as is so often the case with great wineries of impeccable pedigree, the Roc des Anges levels of production are practically non-commercial in size, and the wines are so cost-intensive to vinify that the Gallets must seek outside grape sources in order to make additional bottlings. Out of this need was born their second operation, the ‘Effet Papillon wines’, both white and red. Gallets' white Effet Papillon is a terrific summer and also food wine, the Papillon Rosé is a wonderful accompaniment to summer salads or light fish dishes, and the red is a deep purple, vibrant, garrigue-scented blend of Carignan and Grenache that's sourced primarily from some of the best vineyards in the Roussillon appellation of Rivesaltes.

There is a depth, sophistication and precision here that is far beyond the appellation standard and is a revelation in that it manages to be a wine that is both honest to its hardscrabble origins, yet absolutely regal in its bearing. As such, you shouldn't worry about using this with a wide range of foods; it will pair equally well with barbecue, roasts or the finest cuts of beef or lamb. We don't have as much of this wine as we want or as we need, so be advised that this will disappear far too soon!