Chateau Negly Tradition Languedoc Blanc 2019

If you like wine (and we’re pretty sure you do), you’re gonna want some of this. UNO fans, just think of this as your “draw-four wild” card in your wine collection. It works in every conceivable situation. Jet skis at the lake? Check. Impossible to please former somm stopping by for dinner? Check. Looking for a deceptively complex, completely crushable summer sipper at an epic price? Check, check, check.

The Chateau goes back to the 1700s, taking on the name of Negly in 1807. But the real transformation of this estate began with the arrival of Jean Paux-Rosset in 1992. The last few decades has seen the quality of their wines, and as a result, their reputation, climb to atmosphere-shattering heights. Gone are the days when all Languedoc-Roussillon wines are driven like cheap cattle to foreign export or dumped off on incoming tourists.

The wine is mostly bourboulenc, with some clairette and roussanne blended in for texture and complexity. This delightfully fresh wine bursts with tropical notes of papaya and lychee, and white peach sprinkled with fleur de sel. The mouthfeel is surprisingly weighty, with a viscous texture that extends the finish far longer than any $13 white should possess.

PAIRING IDEAS: Get your squid game up to snuff with this E-Z peezy Calamars a la Provencal recipe. Good olive oil is key to this and don’t be shy to add a bit to finish.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: A perpetually barefoot, wildly-talented, German, flamenco guitarist who specializes in the music of Catalonia? You’re welcome. Check out Ottmar Liebert’s “2 the Night” and just try not to dance.