2013 Vignobles Lorgeril, Château de Pennautier Rosé, Cabardès

In 1620 Bernard de Pennautier had the good sense to employ one of the chief architects of the palace of Versailles, Le Vau, to extend his already rather impressive familial home, located on the outskirts of Carcassonne. Nicolas and Miren de L’Orgeril are his tenth generation descendants, all ten of whom have made wine, celebrating this unique environment. The Appellation Contrôlée of Cabardès is located at an altitude of 700-1000 metres in the southern foothills of the Montagne Noire, itself a geological and climatic cross-roads displaying both Atlantic Mediterranean influence.

The vineyards for this excellent rosé are located on the sunny south-facing slopes of the Montagne Noire; the blend is shared between Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Grenache (30%) and Syrah (30%) and the technique employed is saignée, namely blending the colour from the grapes for a limited time before fermentation in the manner of a white wine. The result is a great success, with onion-skin going towards salmon colour, gentle redcurrant and raspberry fruit notes and a lick of spice on the finish. Excellent for summer time al fresco indulgence!
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer