Domaine de Montine, Viognier

Grignan les Adhémar is the new name for Tricastin and Domaine de Montine is one of the best-known names here. A family business, just outside Grignan, this has well-placed vines and makes wine in all three colours. Why buy from here? The answer is freshness. This part of the Rhône is almost at an intermediary stage between north and south. The syrah grape works well here as do all the whites, ripening without undue haste, and the wines are inexpensive and quality on the way up.

The domaine was established in 1933 when Albert Monteillet bought the land and is now run by Melina Monteillet, the fourth generation to take the reins. Surrounded by lavender fields she farms without using chemicals, either pesticides or herbicides, and all fertilisers are organic. The soil is chalk and light clay, and work in the vineyards is all done by hand so each vine gets individual attention and green harvesting lowers yields before the ripe grapes are harvested at night for maximum freshness.