From: Sancerre, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: This rose, a 100 percent Pinot Noir, undergoes a meticulous process of vinification, where 60% is obtained from direct pressing and a balance of 40% from bled juice. This delicate dance of techniques culminates in a beautiful salmon hue, a color that paints the onset of a sensory journey. In a glass held up to the light, the Sancerre rosé reveals itself in vibrant hues of pale salmon pink. Fragrant notes of roses and orange blossoms on the nose, gradually unfolding into hints of gooseberry and peach flowers. On the palate, the rosé tells tales of summer gardens, intertwining the refreshing notes of red berries with hints of spice that dance gracefully, leaving a lingering impression of strawberries amidst a whisper of cherries and red currants. It embodies a harmonious convergence of freshness and smoothness, inviting the taster to journey through landscapes adorned with floral and fruity notes, eventually settling into a light yet resonant finish.
Pairing: To fully appreciate this charming rosé, serve it at 46 to 50°F. It finds its ideal match in quality pork meats, exotic dishes, and the gentle flame of barbecued white meats or veggies. We think the changing seasons provide an excellent source of late summer early fall produce to choose from. Try this with this gorgeous Cranberry-Brie Arepa recipe shown below.
Cranberry-Brie Arepa
By Tara Parker-Pope
About: In the gentle hills of the Sancerre region, the story of Domaine de la Villaudiere unfolds. This storied land, rich in history and cultivated by hands that have passed the mantle of guardianship through generations, now finds itself under the stewardship of Jean-Marie Reverdy, a man deeply rooted in the traditions and love for the Sancerre heritage. Alongside his wife Catherine and his sons Guillaume and Baptiste, the family continues to forge authenticity with a touch of modernity.
Amidst the lush expanses that stretch out at 200 meters above sea level, the vineyards of Domaine de la Villaudiere sprawl effortlessly into the picturesque backdrop of the village of Verdigny. With vistas that follow the iconic Sancerre hill lies the Reverdy family estate.
The skilled hands of winemaker Guillaume Reverdy tend vines that have stood an average age of thirty years in rich clay-limestone soil dotted with gravel and flinty pebbles. The soils are referred to as “Caillotes”. The skillfully tended vineyards enjoy the sun, absorbing its rays from south, southeast, and eastern angles, fostering a slow and even maturation process. The Reverdy stewardship of these lands does not rest, with constant adaptations to nurture and protect, moving steadfastly towards a future that embraces eco-friendliness and sustainability, a commitment ratified with the High Environmental Value Level 3 certification in 2020.
