2021-C Domaine des Grillemonts Rose Saumur AC, Loire Valley, France (750ml)
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A Seasonal Rosé Club Selection
Bright copper pink. Enticing aromas of red berries, rhubarb and chalk. The palate is fresh and clean with crisp acidity, showing ripe red fruits, blood orange, lemon peel and a lovely herbal note. The finish is long and juicy, with a hint of spice and a burst of chalky minerality on the finish. 100% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were manually harvested and direct pressed to tank for fermentation, followed by a short period of aging on the lees. The finished wine was bottled early to preserve its fresh fruit flavors.
Renowned for its wines for centuries, the Loire Valley has become the de facto center for organic viticulture and biodynamic winegrowing in France. In the heart of the Loire lies Domaine Chancelle, located on the outstanding limestone soils of Turquant, a small village nestled between Saumur and Chinon. The domain spreads over 14 hectares, and is divided into 26 plots situated on clayey-limestone slopes, planted to 60% Cabernet Franc (60%), with some Chenin Blanc and Pineau de Loire (40%). Thierry and Lydie Chancelle proudly continue a five-generation tradition of winemaking in the region. With Lydie managing the vineyards and Thierry running the cellar operations, they have brought the domaine’s winemaking to new heights since taking over in 2000. No chemicals are used in these sustainably farmed vineyards, the focus is on natural viticultural practices, soil preservation and healthy biodiversity throughout the property.
Their wines are a shining example of the excellence that can be achieved when mindful agriculture meets meticulous winemaking. Domaine des Grillemonts is the couple’s second label, created to highlight their commitment to sustainability and quality in winemaking. There are a handful of grape varieties that make the most complex and satisfying rosés—and Cabernet Franc is surely one of them. Its characteristic spice and savory notes coupled with the Loire’s hallmark minerality of the makes for an exceptionally complex, refreshing rosé that we are thrilled to share with our Wine Club!