Intrepid Imbibing: August - Roussillon Whites!

Howdy, Intrepid Imbibers! Did you miss this?

I certainly did, because encouraging adventurousness with wine is one of my three key principles.

This year, I got a little swamped with MW studies, business, and family things (not all bad!) and so it’s taken me a few months to get back in gear. Without further ado – welcome back to my series encouraging you to be a more adventurous Wineau. Each month I’ll choose a grape, region, style, or spirit that is a little off-the-beaten path. Your job is to source one, try it, and report back!

This August, we’re taking a quick jaunt to a corner of France that many wine lovers tend to overlook—Roussillon.

Nestled in the rugged, sun-soaked southeast, this is Mediterranean France at its most dramatic: just above Spain, framed by mountains, kissed by sea breezes, and historically known for those sweet, fortified Vin Doux Naturels (VDNs).

But spoiler alert: Roussillon is no longer just the land of syrupy sips your great-aunt hoarded. This region is quietly becoming a mecca for natural, low-intervention winemaking—and the whites? Chef’s kiss.

French Wine Guide - Languedoc Roussillon Map

Sure, the reds here—usually blends of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvèdre—have that Southern Rhône swagger with a touch more rustic flair. But let’s talk white grapes, because that’s where the magic is this time of year.

We’re dealing with Mediterranean heat-loving varietals like Macabeu (a.k.a. Macabeo), Grenache Blanc, Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino), and the lesser-known but fabulous Carignan Blanc. These grapes deliver aromatic intensity, serious texture, and bright acidity that cuts through heat like a breeze through linen.

This month, I’ve chosen a white blend from Domaine de Majas, a small family-run estate in the Côtes Catalanes IGP. They craft wines with minimal intervention and maximum soul. This has tons of zippy acidity, a salty whisper of minerality, and orchard fruit and herby elements. (See my IG video for more!)

Roussillon whites are a perfect pick for people who want more personality than Pinot Grigio and more edge than Sauvignon Blanc. They’re textured but fresh, structured yet easygoing, and wildly food-friendly. Pair them with fish tacos , herb-roasted chicken, and even bloomy-rind cheeses (don’t knock it till you try it).

And most Roussillon whites clock in under $25, with many fantastic bottles hovering around twenty bucks. My Majas? $19.99, baby. For a hand-crafted, small-production, terroir-driven white with natural wine cred, that’s an absolute steal.

So, if the city heat feels inescapable and you’re dreaming of the Med, let your wine glass do the traveling. This month, pick up a Roussillon white, and let those herbal, citrusy vibes carry you off to a sun-drenched patio somewhere between Perpignan and paradise.

Time to put southern French whites on your radar immédiatement. Comment when you find one and give it a try—I can’t wait to see what you’re sipping and what you’re pairing it with.

Cheers.