2011 Chateau de Chevalier Rose de Chevalier Rose - Stocktake Sale Item

The mid 2000's saw an explosion of the Rose market in Europe, and while this has largely been associated with the Southern parts of France, it would be too easy to forget that Bordeaux with its tradition of lighter reds or "Clairets" is in a privileged position to produce some very distinctive Roses. Typically, Roses in Bordeaux are produced by "Saignee", whereby juice is tapped from red ferments, mostly from the Cabernets and Merlot varietals, and sometimes barrel fermented or matured. It results in more structured and coloured wines than their Provence or Languedoc counterparts that could be described as drier versions of the Roses from the Loire, like Cabernet d'Anjou if a reference point was needed.

The Rose fever has spread to some of the most prestigious estates of Bordeaux, from Medoc to St Emilion via the Graves area. Far from adopting a cynical approach and banking on a growing trend, these same estates are using the exercice as a display of skill and the results are convincing. The Roses from Bordeaux make for not only visually stunning aperitif wines, but their range of flavours make them ideal companions for exotic cuisines such as curries, right through to typical Aussie Barbeque fare, with the added bonus of having some of Bordeaux’s top names at the table.

Translucent brilliant salmon pink colour with watery salmon pink hue. Aromas of ripe cherries, plum juice and strawberry. Excellent mouthfeel with flavours of cherry, plum juice and spice, showing more spice than the Phelan Segur Rose. Clean dry finish with aftertaste of plum juice, cherry and spice.
Drink now (2012) Alc 13.0%