I’ve long thought that whites from the Southern Rhône have struggled to get the attention they deserve. With the complex whites of Burgundy to the north and the racy Sauvignon Blancs of the Loire claiming most of the spotlight, Southern Rhône whites have too often been overlooked. But I believe their time has come—and Fondrèche’s Blanc might just be the proof. Vigneron Sébastien Vincenti seems to have cracked the code. His Blanc offers all the richness and body I expect from the south, yet it’s lifted by explosive aromatics and a vibrant acidity that refreshes the palate. Stone fruit notes of peach and nectarine are brightened by a twist of Meyer lemon, while a touch of wild fennel on the finish gives a clear sense of place. It’s terroir-driven and expressive, yet completely approachable—a must-have for weeknight drinking.