Châteauneuf-du-Pape Bois de Boursan (Domaine) Jean et Jean-Paul Versino 2011

Jean Versino and his father Jean-Paul established this family-run vineyard in 1955 and now works in very close partnership with his son Jean who abandoned his studies to join the business in 1983. Jean helped his father extend the vineyard which has practised organic techniques since its early days. The 13 grape varieties permitted under the appellation's specification are grown on 27 parcels planted on 10 hectares. The vines are, on average, 50 years old and tended without the use of chemical fertilisers. Instead, the Mistral's powerful wind keeps the vines healthy. The wines, which have been praised by the critics, are matured in a mix of wooden barrels. To allow their highly distinctive character to shine through, there is no filtering.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape white wines may be quite rare but with this cuvée the property has created a masterpiece of freshness, elegance and refinement. White grapes are fermented at a low temperature to preserve the intensity of their aromas. The wine is then matured in vats for six months (a small amount of wood adds a degree of complexity through the process of micro-oxygenation). The palate is full and creamy with delightful volume. Freshness and a saline finish give the wine aromatic persistence and make it ideal for pairing with food.