Domaine Houchart Provence Tradition Blanc

We received samples of wines from Provence in France. We were curious about wines from Provence since our daughter spent a semester in Provence. Domaine Houchart, in Cotes de Provence, is located near Aix en Provence and at the base of Mont Sainte Victoria. Today the winery Domaine Houchart is a part of Famille Quiot. The Quiot family began planting grapes in 1748. The main Quiot family vineyard is the Domaine du Vieux Lazaret with more than 100 hectares (247 acres) of grapes. This estate is currently worked by the 13th generation of the Quiot family.

Domaine Houchart has a long history including becoming a part of the Quiot family wines in 1890. Currently, Florence and Jean-Baptise, the fifth generation of the Houchart family to work the estate, are involved in Domaine Houchart. The interest in vineyards by the family Houchart dates back to the 1800s when the property was expanded by Aurélien Houchart who wanted to increase the family’s estates. Near the end of the 1800s, he reactivated the  Puyloubier vineyards which had been devastated by phylloxera. Eventuallly this vineyard became known as Domaine Houchart.

The 2016 Provence Tradition Blanc is a pale yellow colored blend of 75% Clairette and 25% Rolle (Vermentino). The aroma suggests peach, citrus and mineral. The taste was reminiscent of  peach, grapefruit, and mineral. The finish is very crisp and fruity. The wine dances in the mouth and begs for a pairing with seafood. However on a frigid below freezing winter-like late autumn evening, we paired the wine with homemade chicken, rice and dumpling soup. The suggested price for this wine is $12.59. The Provence Tradition Blanc also pairs with cheese soufflés and makes an excellent choice for an aperitif.

Consider wines from Provence in Southeastern France for the holidays and throughout the year. The wines offer a great value.

Cheers,
Terry & Kathy