Wine of the Week

Located in Languedoc, just west of Montpellier, Mas de Daumas Gassac is best known for a Cabernet that can hold its own against some of the top Bordeaux. Ownes Aime and Veronique Guibert also make this remarkable white, a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. It’s the Viognier that’s responsible for its lacy texture and delicate scent of violets, orange blossom and honey. What I love best about it is the long, lovely finish.

The crisp acidity of the 2000 vintage means this is an especially food-friendly wine. It’s a wonderful alternative to straight Chardonnay with appetizers, smoked salmon, asparagus risotto or other light first courses.

About $28. Available at The Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454. If you can’t find this wine, have your local store call the distributor, Grapevine, (310) 338-9463.

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S. Irene Virbila