Light-medium salmon color; cherry, watermelon on the nose; red cherry cola, watermelon, light strawberry, red grapefruit on the palate.
While it is smooth in the mouth, it also has nice sharpness and acidity; some redcurrant tang amid the nice fruit, lilt of lime; dry, light, bright and refreshing. Blend of grenache, cinsault from Roussillon region. Descriptions of making are sketchy, but likely this was aged in concrete because it has roundness rather than the sharper edges of stainless, and definitely does not have the oak and butter produced by extensive malolactic fermentation.
According to their website, Maison M. Chapoutier has worked with “the greatest respect for natural balance and terroir since 1808. The family moto ‘Fac et Spera’—do and hope—says it all. Two words that sum up all the patience and daring that this art demands: patience in relation to nature which presides; daring for the winemaker, who observes, chooses and assists. The wine will be the faithful expression of this alchemy.”
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé (Pays d’Oc) 2016 is a delightful rosé with nicely defined fruit and good acidity. Sip in summer, but will work as aperitif and with lighter foods any time. $12-13
