Beaucastel Blanc V.V. Question

I am opening a Truchard Roussanne for dinner tonight with chicken pasta casserole, which got me thinking (I know, a dangerous thing). I have read a few fabulous reviews of Beaucastel's Blanc V. V. wine but it is priced WAY out of my budget. Does anyone make a Rhone white of similar high quality which is not $100++? More like $40-$50. I'd love to try a wine in that style that doesn't "break the bank".

[David M. Bueker]

I hate to say this, but I think that wine is one of a kind.

Sadly no.

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

I'm not a fan of Beaucastel blanc. Although I recognise its "grand vin" characteristics, the style is too rich and lacking in freshness for me, except in its youth. Indeed I have the same complaint about most of the whites from the Rhône valley, especially the South, but the lesser richness of less prestigious names is a plus for me. If you like the Rhöne white style and its grape cocktail, however, and many worthy wine-lovers do, top producers outside CndP like Oratoire St.Martin and Marcel Richaud, both in Cairanne, make a good effort.

IMO, some producers in Roussillon are making, for me, more mineral and exciting Mediterranean whites than the Rhône valley, thanks in particular to the Grenache gris grape.

Grenache Gris!! Too true Tim .

Well, I think the 'regular' Beaucastel blanc is about the price range you requested.

I'd say no. That wine is pretty singular. But there are substitutes that can fill in on a good day, like Gonon's St. Joseph blanc and perhaps Chapoutier's Les Granits blanc (same appelation) for around that price range.