Nicholas Duffour makes traditional southwest French country wines in Lagraulet-du-Gers, a village in the middle of a wide patch of gently rolling countryside of Gers. Like his father Michel, Nicholas farms his vines organically, and raises this cheerful wine in stainless steel. It is a blend of 70% Colombard with 15% Gros Manseng and 15% Ugni Blanc, and the wine competes for these vines with the brilliant Armagnac the family also makes. With characteristic SW French economy, this wine offers more than its share of aroma and flavor, with notes of apple pie, lemon curd, almond and whipped cream leading into a palate with more weight than wines at this price usually have, apple and lime and acacia before a refreshing burst of stone ground minerality on the finish. This wine is perfect for parties, light cheeses, fresh seafood ceviche or veggie frittatas.