2014 Le Roc des Anges Effet Papillon Cotes du Roussillon Blanc 750 ml

2014 Effet Papillon Blanc: The Butterfly Effect

The most dynamic young winemaking couple in the south of France, Stéphane and Marjorie Gallet, are riding a hot streak. While their “Carignan 1903” (drawn entirely from vines planted 112 years ago) is the most voluptuous red in their Roc des Anges lineup, and their tightly-wound “Llum” the most electrifying of the whites, the Gallets’ most affordable white — “Effet Papillon” (“Butterfly Effect”) — may well be the most luscious yet inexpensive white wine in all of France.

The Gallets’ development of their Le Roc des Anges estate is a tale for the ages. Back in 2001, when the enologist couple studied the country’s wine routes, their choices were few given their modest billfolds. Burgundy was priced out of consideration, as were Marjorie’s childhood stomping grounds in the Northern Rhône. The Loire was tempting, but cold. Yet the more the Gallets learned about the ancient vineyards of the Roussillon, the more they were intrigued.

One summer day, the couple left Ampuis and headed south on the A6. A hundred kilometers before Perpignan, they exited, weaving into the backcountry towards the whitewashed village of Montner.

By noon — with the temperature flirting near 100 degrees and the wind gusting up to 90 m.p.h. — they drove their 4x4 up a dirt path, then pulled over next to a 3-acre parcel of ancient-vine Carignan. The plants were head-trained, sprawling close to the ground, protecting themselves from the bluster. The soils were pure schist, the flaky slate that is native to Spain’s Priorat. The roots, they’d soon learn, spidered 15 feet underground, seeking out water reserves in the substrata.

The Gallets borrowed a few thousand dollars from over 40 friends and well-wishers and purchased 40 acres strewn with ill-kept, old vines. Then they went to work — and preceded to bowl over sommeliers and critics worldwide.

These days, no fewer than 50 Michelin-starred restaurants — including 3-stars Guy Savoy and Le Pré Catelan in Paris — feature Le Roc des Anges on their wine lists. The stunning 2014 Effet Papillon is sure to seduce a half-dozen more.

Made from 100% Grenache Blanc, grown on the windswept hillsides above Montner. Pale green to the rim, dense and mineral, filled with juicy pear and apple, finishing with excellent nerve and persistence. Drink now-2018.