Carte d'Or 2017

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Taut and restrained, this crisp-dry rosé offers delicate aromas of raspberry, cranberry, lemon zest and spice on the nose, leading to a focused palate that is firm and weighty. Firm and tightly structured with a gorgeous lingering dry finish. 

About the wine:

Legend has it that when King Henry IV was born in Pau, wine was immediately raised to his lips to give him strength. It is to this epicurean King of France and ardent defender of gastronomy that the winegrowers of Cave de Crouseilles wish to raise their glass.

This vineyard in the heart the village Crouseilles is in the small wine-growing region of Bearn in the foothills of the Pyrenées. Wine growing here dates back to 1737. There is a unique microclimate here in the valley of the River Adour which is influenced by the Pyrenees, the Atlantic Ocean and, although less marked, the Mediterranean. Although the vines were decimated during the phylloxera crisis at the end of the 14th century, the small vineyard plots were replanted, still prioritizing the grape varieties indigenous to the area.

Denis Degache, a trained oenologist, has been in charge of wine making since 1999. Picked in the early hours of the morning, the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Tannat grapes are immediately pressed, fermented at a constant 18 degrees and then the wine is aged in stainless steel vats for 4 to 6 months in order to preserve freshness and aroma. Intense raspberry on the nose, with a round, smoothe mouthfeel and flavours full of plump fresh fruit.

This rosé has beautiful magnitude, and is lively and tender. It is in perfect harmony with Asian cuisine or simply drink as an aperitif.