Olivier Coste, Carignan Blanc 2023

Get to know: Olivier Coste, Carignan Blanc ‘Rare’ 2023

A rare gem from the Languedoc coast.

Tasting Note

Brilliantly bright in the glass, this wine opens with floral and citrus aromas, followed by subtle notes of melon, almond and flint. The palate is crisp and zesty, with mouth-watering salinity and a long, mineral finish. Delicate, characterful and deliciously drinkable.

Top food pairings:

• Fresh crab and avocado salad
• Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs
• Courgette, mint and feta tart (vegetarian)

Kate Says

"This is a seriously cool wine made from the little-known Carignan Blanc grape. It opens with a subtle smokiness on the nose - think a touch of Riesling or Viognier - then follows through with vibrant fruit, crisp acidity and a long, juicy finish. It drinks beautifully."

Producer Info

Olivier Coste grew up playing among the vines at his family’s historic estate near Pézenas, and his passion for sustainable winemaking runs deep. Today, he’s known for preserving rare Mediterranean varieties and producing vibrant, contemporary wines from the sunny south of France. The estate is certified HVE Level 3, carbon neutral, and invests in renewable energy and global ecological projects.

How it’s made:

• Made from 70-year-old Carignan Blanc vines, grown just inland from the Mediterranean in Castelnau-de-Guers
• Traditional gobelet pruning to protect grapes from the summer heat
• Grapes harvested at night to preserve freshness and acidity
• 24-hour cold maceration followed by cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks
• No oak ageing - just pure, vibrant expression of fruit and terroir

Good to know:

• Region: Languedoc, France (Vin de France designation)
• Style: Crisp, aromatic white wine
• ABV: 12.5%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vegan: Yes

Why we love it:

Made from a vanishingly rare grape and full of bright, sea-sprayed freshness — this is the kind of wine that redefines what southern French whites can be. Pure joy in a bottle.