From: Loire, France
Blend: Grolleau Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis
Taste: The 2022 Mosse Moussamoussettes Rosé enchants the palate with its sparkling charm. It unveils notes of red fruits, vibrant citrus (blood orange, grapefruit), and a subtle hint of sweet spices. The lively and invigorating bubbles make it a delightful choice for any occasion. Serve it at an optimal temperature of 8°C in 75cl bottles.
Pairing: This versatile rosé complements a diverse range of dishes, from savory to indulgent. It pairs beautifully with potato, sweet potato, yucca, quinoa, pasta, exotic spices, poultry, seafood, and a variety of cheeses. Whether you're savoring a meal with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, the 2022 Mosse Moussamoussettes Rosé promises a delightful gastronomic experience.
Sweet Potato and Gruyère Gratin
By Melissa Clark
About. Hailing from the picturesque village of St-Lambert-du-Lattay, within the Coteaux-du-Layon region of Anjou, lies the domain of Agnès and René Mosse. Together with their sons, Joseph and Sylvestre, they craft their Mosse wines.
Agnès and René Mosse, once proprietors of a unique wine-bar/retail shop hybrid in Tours, transformed their passion for wine into a lifelong journey. Their inspiration came from luminaries like Jo Pithon and François Chidaine, whom they met during their early years in the wine world. They honed their craft by studying viticulture and oenology at the agricultural lycée in Amboise, where their mentors included Thierry Puzelat and Christian Chaussard.
In 1999, they realized their dream by acquiring an estate in St-Lambert, where they currently oversee 17 hectares of vines. The majority are graced with the noble Chenin Blanc, while Cabernet Franc thrives on 3 hectares. They also cultivate Gamay, Chardonnay, Grolleau Gris, and Noir. The Mosse family has upheld a steadfast commitment to organic viticulture techniques, nurturing the soil's vitality and preserving the environment.
René may have retired, but Agnès and their sons Joseph and Sylvestre continue the family legacy. Both brothers joined the estate in the early 2010s, playing pivotal roles in winemaking since 2014. Their contributions brought changes, like the exclusive focus on Cabernet Franc and a transition to Vin de France for the entire Anjou production in 2016.
Under Joseph's watchful eye, the vineyards are meticulously maintained, and his finely-tuned palate impresses at blind tastings. Meanwhile, Sylvestre's journey from Beaune to South Africa, London, and back to the family estate brings a holistic perspective to winemaking. He treasures the simple joys of the winegrower's life—good food, good company, and excellent wine.
The estate spans the Anjou Villages and Coteaux du Layon Villages appellations, with vineyards nestled near the Layon River's left bank. The schist and sandstone-rich soils, coupled with the region's oceanic influence, create an ideal environment for Chenin grapes. This robust grape variety thrives in the region's temperate climate, where morning mists favor the development of noble rot, essential for producing sweet wines.
Organic farming has been the backbone of their vineyard work since 1999. The Mosse family's commitment to organic methods, from plowing to treatments, fosters healthy vines and vibrant soil ecosystems. Harvesting is a labor-intensive affair, with each grape bunch carefully handpicked and transported to the cellar in crates.
The winemaking process embraces minimal intervention, allowing the true character of the grapes and terroir to shine. Whites undergo barrel fermentation and often undergo malolactic fermentation. The use of sulfur is minimized, ensuring the wines remain as natural as possible. The resulting wines are a testament to the harmony between meticulous vineyard practices and thoughtful vinification.
