Provence....vines at Domaine Bagnol

Mid-Summer Rosé Report: Les Fouques is Back, New Arrivals and Returning Favorites...

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Our Rosé section has grown a bit to help you cope, enjoyably, with the summer heat - so start your evening with any of these refreshing real rosés....(and remember that all wines discount 10% on a case or mixed case!)

Our most popular rosé, the beautiful Domaine les Fouques 2022 Cuvé Aubigue, has returned just in time for mid-summer pleasure, so stock up! Since the 2010 vintage it has been our great pleasure to feature the lovely wines from Yves Gros and family at this wonderful estate near Hyères in Provence. The 2022 vintage at Les Fouques, as in much of France, brought excellent ripeness, but with a bit less alcohol than in 2018 through 2020 and with lovely fresness and a silky texture. Biodynamic farming, great terroir and wild yeast fermentations make these among the very finest rosés of Provence. The 2022s are simply delicious - enjoy the "Cuvée Aubigue" over the next 2 years, while the "Estelle" will drink well through 2025.

Domaine du Bagnol is back! We love rosés from Cassis - a great location and terroir for wine despite the chic little town and hordes of tourists! In a vineyard dating back to the 13th century, situated a few hundred metres from the Mediterranean, the Domaine du Bagnol produces one of the most elegant of rosés. Part Grenache, giving structure and weight and part Cinsault, giving delicate red fruit and spice aromas, this pale salmon-colored wine is a refreshing treat!

A half hour drive east along the Mediterranean bring us to Bandol, another notable locale for great rosé. We've stocked up on our two favorite Bandols...from Chateau de Pibarnon and La Bastide Blanche!

Newly arrived this summer is the unique and elegant Domaine de Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé. A specialty of the domaine, this is a delicate and ethereal wine with the faintest peach-pink hue. Consistenly great with seafood, and fantastic on its own.

Laurent Charvin makes some one of the most elegant Chateaneuf du Pape reds, but as you may not know, he also makes one of the most beautiful roses of the Southern Rhone! The 2022 Cotes du Rhone Rosé has arrived and is ready for your flavorful Summer feasts, a suitable pairing for grilled meats, even those lavished in richer flavors (did someone say Barbeque sauce?).

Though we may have one more rosé-themed newsletter for the "End of Summer," this list is here as a reference for the next month of sipping, swimming, and sunbathing. For those of us working all August, these are also fantastic weekday wines that all improve in the fridge over a day or two. 

Les Fouques 2022 Côtes de Provence Cuvée l'Aubigue Rosé

Year after year, Yves Gros, Christelle and Jacques at the Biodynamic Domaine les Fouques make our favorite Provençal rosés. This is what they say about the 2022 Cuvee Aubigue: "Cinsault 62% Grenache 15% Syrah 17% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Rolle 2%, (alcohol 12.5%) "Very pale pink color with melon nuances. The first aromas are concentrated, evoking ripe yellow fruits such as apricot and peach. After swirling, it's flat peach with white flesh, subtly enhanced by spices of white pepper and ginger. The palate is imposing, well structured, ample; dominated by notes of white peach but also by fresh citrus which reinforces the iodized side of this cuvée and gives it a certain freshness on the finish." We say...  "the palate is round and refreshing with a dense mineral core. Flavors of peach, strawberry, and nectarine coalesce over cool herbal notes akin to licorice. The finish is suave and awash with citrus and stone. A wonderfully versatile wine, this is lovely to sip by itself and will be a seriously delicious pairing with salads, full-flavored fish dishes, chicken and grilled pork all summer and all year...complex, subtle, refreshing and delicious - buy it by the case as we do run out from time to time...

  • rosé
  • 38 in stock
  • $16.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic

Les Fouques 2022 Côtes de Provence La Londe "Cuvée 'Estelle"

 Domaine les Fouques has been certified Biodynamic (Demeter) for 30 years, and also raises sheep, ducks, chickens and guinea-hens on their old-fashioned mixed-use farm. The La Londe "Cuvee L'Estelle" is their best rosé from old vines of Grenache 49% Cinsault 36% Syrah 11% Rolle 4%. Unlike the majority of Provençal rosés, it is made naturally with wild yeasts, giving a more subtle expression of fruit and terroir. The 2022 is a subtle and beautiful wine showing a very pale salmon  pink color and aromas of peach skin, orange peel, rose, earth and raspberry, very pretty and folral. The palate is elegant and silky with stone and saline mineral flavors beneath very subtle red and yellow fruits, wild strawberry, hints of spice and citrus peel. The high percentage of white grapes brings delicacy and freshness. The finish is refreshing and long with nice density and perfectly balanced at 13% alcohol. This is a lovely rosé of terroir that will drink beautifully over the next three years. Serve with grilled fish, pork and chicken, salade Niçoise, or just sip by itself. David Lillie

  • rosé
  • 15 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Casaretti 2021 Bardolino Classico Rosa dei Casaretti

This lovely rosato is 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara, from organically tended vines on the shore of Lake Garda in the Veneto. Soils are rocky with clay. 12-36 hour maceration before natural fermentation. Aged in stainless steel. In the glass, the color is a cool pink. The nose is ripe with cherry fruit and accented with fresh herbal notes. On the palate, there is a zing of raspberry and a clean mineral drive. The palate has high acidity and a great textural swish. David Hatzopoulos

  • rosé
  • 25 in stock
  • $17.99

  • Organic

Dauny 2022 Sancerre Rosé Pynoz

Showing deep salmon red in the glass and dense fruit on the palate, the 2022 Dauny Sancerre rose is an assertive wine.  The nose jumps out of the glass with fresh summer peaches and red cherries backed by lime zest and a slight but distinct note of smoke.  Soft red fruits shine through on the palate with strawberries and cherries over tart citrus and bracing minerality.  The wine is full and even a touch velvety with a crisp acidity that keeps the finish elegant, rather than being too weighty.  Best drunk with a juicy grilled chicken, fresh chevre, or any finger food at hand all summer long.

  • rosé
  • 1 in stock
  • $28.99

  • Organic

Domaine de Reuilly 2022 Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé

(Arrives Tues 8/8) The wines of the Domaine de Reuilly are getting better and better - the 2022 Rosé of Pinot Gris is from vines in  organic and biodynamic farning, fermented with wild yeasts. The color is a lovely pale onion skin, the aromas are floral and pretty with gooseberry, peach, dried apricot and citrus peel, really lovely. Light berry, peach, green tea and stone flavors on the palate are dense and creamy but framed in firm acidity. With good ripeness, but subtle and balanced, this unique rosé will accompany a wide variety of foods, from oysters with vinaigrette, fish, grilled pork and chicken and Asian foods, and it's lovely to sip by itself!  David Lillie

  • white
  • 16 in stock
  • $26.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Bart 2022 Marsannay Rosé

(not certified organic, but we still love it.) A lovely rosé of Pinot Noir from Pierre Bart in Marsannay, the 2022 shows a bit more weight than usual in this very pretty vintage of ripe, forward fruit. Bright pink color. Subtle hints of red currant and strawberry, floral and mineral. The palate shows nice density and a silky texture with sappy berry fruits, blood orange and stone supported by refreshing acidity, finishing with elegant mineral, citrus and strawberry flavors long and quite delicious. Please open this young wine in advance if drinking now, or even put some aside for next year....

  • rosé
  • 8 in stock
  • $24.99

Bagnol 2022 Cassis Rosé

We love rosés from Cassis - a great location and terroir for wine despite the chic little town and hordes of tourists! In a vineyard dating back to the 13th century, situated a few hundred metres from the Mediterranean, the Domaine du Bagnol produces one of the most elegant of rosés. Part Grenache, giving structure and weight and part Cinsault, giving delicate red fruit and spice aromas, this pale salmon-colored wine is a refreshing treat!

  • rosé
  • 15 in stock
  • $29.99

  • Organic

Pibarnon 2021 Bandol Rosé

The 2021 Pibarnon Rosé is drinking gorgeously now and will improve even more over the next few years - grab some now as of course the price goes up for the 2022. This wine has a wonderful ability to combine elegance, power, class, and distinction. A blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Grenache, the wine shows peach-y and stone fruit notes on the nose, mingling with the savory earth and iodine character of good Bandol Rosé. The palate offers silky textures, a certain voluptuousness, and a lovely balance of acidity to full ripe fruit. 

  • rosé
  • 8 in stock
  • $41.99

  • Organic

Bastide Blanche 2022 Bandol Rosé

Some of the most elegant rosés in the world come from the varied limestone terroirs of Bandol, along the Mediterranean, where Mourvedre is the primary cepage blended with Grenache and Cinsault. The estate farms with organic and biodynamic methods and makes a particularly delicious direct-press rosé, fermented with only wild yeasts. There is plenty of elegance and structure that you'd expect from a Bandol rosé, but it's still bright and full of energy - our colleague Mariko referred to it as a "happy Bandol," which is an apt description. The fruit is subtle but pretty and the minerality is sleek and stony, with great acidity that would make this a hit at any barbecue. It's an incredible value for a very serious rosé.

  • rosé
  • 4 in stock
  • $26.99

  • Organic

Manissy 2021 Tavel Tête de Cuvée Rosé

(Retasted in June 2023, the wine is showing even better with gorgeous fruit and fabulous length!) Produced since 1915 this is the historic cuvée of Chateau de Manissy, retaining the ancient label and the ancient methods of production, now enhanced by Biodynamic farming. Similar in style to the Tavel 'Vintage" at Domane L'Anglore, the wine is a blend of Grenache, Clairette and Cinsault that undergoes a 24 to 48 hour maceration on the skins and then a cool fermentation with wild yeasts for about 2 weeks. The wine ages in old barrels for 9 to 12 months. This is a true Rosé of gastronomy that will drink beautifully for ten years or more.  Showing a slightly darker hue than the 2020 vintage, it exudes bright aromas of pomegranate, red flowers and spice with a silky, cool palate and a  light red wine feel,  with flavors of red currant, tart cherry and saline minerals. "Can live 10 to 20 years if well cellared, drink with melon & cured ham salad, grilled meats, magret de canard (duck breasts), veal meatballs, white meats, chicken breast, guinea fowl with mushrooms & chestnuts" says the estate, or just sip by itself on a summer evening...

  • rosé
  • 11 in stock
  • $26.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Clos du Joncuas 2022 Gigondas Rosé

This is a beautiful Gigondas Rosé from our organic friends at Clos du Joncuas. Pretty bright pink color, aromas of raspberry, tart cherry, blood orange, peach skin and rose. Full palate with silky raspberry, peach, citrus  and mineral flavors and firm acidity, beatifully balanced and refreshing. Long finish with tart cherry, peach, earth, and citrusy acids. This gorgeous rosé is still young – it should open up nicely over the next two to three years. It's elegant and delicious now and very food-friendly – serve with grilled fish and white meats, salade nicoise, vegetarian dishes and Provençal foods. A great rosé to enjoy all year-round!

  • rosé
  • 11 in stock
  • $22.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic

Charvin 2022 Cotes-du-Rhone Rosé

The gorgeous Charvin Rosé is from a 1.5 ha parcel of about 50% Grenache, 50% Cinsault, sometimes with some Bourboulenc and Mourvèdre that averages just 35hL/ha annually.  Organically farmed and entirely harvested by hand with sorting done in the vineyard. The palate is silky and mineral with subtle raspberry and cherry fruit with stone and citrus flavors, quite long and elegant and finishing with refreshing acidity. This is drinking beautifully and will be a great companion to seafood, chicken and grilled meats this summer and all year round. Lovely wine!

  • rosé
  • 6 in stock
  • $21.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Creve Coeur (Pablo Hocht) 2022 Côtes du Rhône Rosé du Coucou

The young Pablo Hocht makes beautiful wines at his Biodynamic estate in Seguret (southern Rhone) - his "Rosé du Coucou" is a  refreshing direct-press rosé made with  old vines of 60% Grenache and 40% Cinsault. The 2022 shows a very pale rose skin color with floral aromas of raspberry, peach, citrus and stone. The palate is very light, silky and elegant with subtle raspberry fruit with hints of melon, orange rind, spice and earth, finishing with terrific length of mineral flavors and refreshing acidity. This is a very lovely wine at a great price! 

  • rosé
  • 34 in stock
  • $13.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 Côtes du Forez Rosé Gamay sur Volcan

The delicious 2022 Gilles Bonnefoy Rosé is made from Gamay grown in both volcanic and clay/granit soils in the Côtes du Forez  (upper Loire, east and a bit south of Lyon).  The grapes are hand-harvested and ferment with wild yeasts, half is rosé de saigné, half is direct press. The wine shows a bright pink color and pretty floral aromas of raspberry and strawberry, with hints of citrus, spice and white peach. The palate is light and crisp but with nice density and saline minerals under the red fruits, finishing with good length of stone, citrus and berry fruits. Serve as a refreshing aperitif or with salads, grilled meats, seafood and goat cheeses. This should open up nicely over the summer and drink well through 2024. lovely wine and a great value!   David Lillie

  • rosé
  • 14 in stock
  • $17.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Laguerre 2022 Côtes du Roussillon Eos Rosé

The 2022 Laguerre Eos Rosé is light and fresh, made from Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir and it's really delicious! It shows a pretty, pale pink color with subtle aromas of rose and raspberry. The palate is bright, silky and round with lovely red and yellow fruit flavors, quite crisp and long. This is a complex, refreshing and delicious rosé and a sensational value!  David Lillie

  • rosé
  • 6 in stock
  • $14.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur
  • rosé sparkling
  • 7 in stock
  • no discount
  • $25.99

Chevalerie NV Vin de France Bulle de Fort

The brand new Domaine de la  Chevalerie "Bulle de Fort" is a direct press rosé Petillant Naturel, 100% Cabernet Franc and just incredibly delicious!! Warning, this is not a wimpy pale pink rosé - it shows a deep cherry-red color and a ripe full-bodied palate with beautiful deep red currant/raspberry fruit, a real wine of terroir with bubbles! Really quite sensational, can't wait to bring some home...

  • rosé sparkling
  • 58 in stock
  • no discount
  • $21.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
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Morin, Gerard et Pierre 2022 Sancerre Rose

The youthful Pierre Morin makes some of the finest Sancerre reds and rosés, from Pinot Noir grown on limestone "caillottes"  soils in and around Bué.  The 2022 rosé is high-toned, chiseled, mineral, and chalky like the more familiar Sancerre blanc though it shows subtle, delicate, red-fruit tones. The wine shows beautiful ripeness in the 2022 vintage, with subtle aromas of cherry, strawberry, citrus and stone  that open with aeration.  Newly arrived it's showing mostly nervy and mineral right now, this should be come more compelling as the aromatic and structural elements integrate. This will be lovely with lighter fare, such as salads, marinated goat cheese, seafood, not to mention make a beautiful aperitif by the pool or the beach. Delicious wine!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $27.99

  • Organic

Terres Dorees (Jean-Paul Brun) 2022 Beaujolais Rosé d'Folie

(Arrives Thursday 9/14) Skewing a deeper salmon hue, the nose is redolent of ruby red grapefruit, melon and pomegranate. with faint garrigue in the background. The palate is dry and crisp with very bright acidity, a somewhat tannic spine with a faint bitter melon rind finish with notes of sanguine orange and  ruby red grapefruit. Extremely refreshing and albeit fuller bodied in style, would make an excellent paring with tuna, bluefish, seafood stews and crawfish boils! Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $15.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Viña Zorzal 2022 Navarra Garnacha Rosado

Viña Zorzal offers some seriously delicious wines from old vines for very little money (as fans of their delightful red Graciano can attest). This one honors the traditional wine of the Navarra region - rosado of Garnacha. Fragrant red currant, raspberry, and pink peppercorn aromas lead to crunchy cranberry and strawberry fruit flavors, with herbal undertones on the finish.

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $14.99

  • Organic

Jousset, Lise et Bertrand 2022 Vin de France Rose à Lies

Rose á Lies is a beautiful Petillant Naturel Rosé from Lise and Bertrand Jousset in Montlouis-sur-Loire. Made from the Jousset's one hectare parcel in Touraine of 40 year-old organic Gamay and Grolleau vines grown on sand and silex soils over limestone. Fermented in used barriques, the wine is bottled at 15 grams of sugar and finishes at less than 5 grams. The wine has toasty aromas of red currant and raspberry with creamy red fruits on the palate balanced with bracing acidity. The finish is clean, refreshing and long - a perfect Pet Nat for any special or everyday occasion!  (Serve with strawberry soup with mint!)

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé sparkling
  • 0 in stock
  • $22.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Jousset, Lise et Bertrand 2022 Vin de France Exilé Brut Rosé

 This lovely Petillant Naturel is made from purchased, organically-grown fruit. It's 100% Gamay from 40 year-old vines on clay/limestone soils and 100% dry, delicate  and delicious, with a little extra roundness and density in 2022, showing subtle aromas of raspberry, strawberry, rose and citrus. The palate is light and creamy with subtle red fruits, citrus and mineral flavors that continue in the long, clean finish. Really delightful and very affordable, too - thanks to Lise and Bertrand Jousset!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé sparkling
  • 0 in stock
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur