Domaine de Tariquet, located in France’s Gascony, is best known for its Armanagacs. But did you know the producer also makes wine? And affordable ones at that. The wines from this unusual region use traditional grape varietals to create unique expressions. Thoughts follow.

2010 Domaine de Tariquet Cote – A 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Bright yellow. Intense body, with fig, big lemon, and way out-of-place strawberry notes. A bit grassy on the finish, with touches of mint and some steeliness. Opens up with exposure to air. B / $15

2010 Domaine de Tariquet Sauvignon – 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp and lemony, with big grapefruit notes, but with a surprisingly buttery body for a Sauvignon Blanc. A touch of asparagus on the finish — but not in a bad way. The best wine of this lot. B+ / $9

2011  Domaine de Tariquet Rose de Pressee – A rose of 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 25% Syrah, and 15% Tannat. Intense strawberry on the nose, but less pleasing on the palate. Thin body, and a woody, funky finish that doesn’t fit with the fruit-forward nose (or the expectation) for this wine. C- / $11

2010 Domaine de Tariquet Cote

$15

8

Rating

8.0/10

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Review: Domaine du Tariquet Armagnacs – Blanche, Green Label, and XO (2009) Review: Chateau du Tariquet Armagnacs – Blanche, VS Classique, VSOP, XO, and 1993 Vintage (2016) Review: Domaine Tariquet VS Classique and VSOP Armagnac (2021) Review: 2013 Domaine de Nizas Languedoc Rose