($16, Ideal Wines & Spirits): Phil Minervino, one of the owners of a Newton Lower Falls Wines, a jewel of a wine shop outside of Boston, and a superb taster, recommended this somewhat obscure wine to me.  As he said, “No one comes in asking for Carignan Blanc.”  They should now.  This one from Domaine du Poujol has the lush stone fruit flavors and texture of a Mediterranean or southern Rhone white, balanced by a spice and vibrancy that sets it apart from many wines of that ilk.  While robust enough to stand up to grilled tuna, it has sufficient energy and verve to cut through August’s heat and humidity.  Frankly, it would also be a welcome choice at Thanksgiving so don’t pigeonhole it to a summer fling — it’s far more serious wine than that.
91 Michael Apstein Aug 16, 2016