2019 Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rosé, Loire Valley, France (750ml)   

The Crochets only make Rosé in good years, so grab some while you can. Very little makes it to America. Very dry. Lots of cherry and bramble berry, but any fruitiness is offset by distinct minerality, nervy acidity, herbs, and a touch of spice.

Sancerre has many fans who love its Sauvignon Blanc, but devotees are finding another gem made in the village, Pinot Noir - the only other grape in Sancerre. With the popularity and demand for its renowned Sauvignon, there is little room left for Pinot vines, and few winemakers have the capacity for its production. That is, the level of attention, skill, and exacting terroir make it a difficult grape to grow. Nevertheless, Lucien Crochet and son know exactly how to make the finest Pinot Noir Rosé: they use fruit from several distinct parcels, ferment whole clusters using natural yeasts, and age the wine in both steel and barriques.