As the summer weather finally seems to be settling in and we are able to eat out in the garden, my thoughts turn to the rosés of the Loire. Outside of Provence, the Loire is the biggest producer of rosé wine in France and there is a style to suit all palates. So how do you know which one will suit your palate? Here’s a guide to some of the Loire’s delicious pinks.
If you prefer a very dry style of rosé then you need to look for the following wines:
Rosé de Loire (a broad sweeping appellation that applies to a large area), the wines are always dry
Rosé from the predominantly red wine appellations of Chinon, St Nicolas de Bourgueil, Bourgueil and Saumur (made from the Cabernet Franc grape). These typically have a bit more character than Rosé de Loire and can stand up well to food. We particularly like Domaine de la Noblaie’s rosé (which comes with a screwcap, perfect picnic wine) and Chateau du Petit Thouar’s rosé, both from the Chinon appellation and Domaine de Nerleux’s rosé from the Saumur appellation.
Chinon rosé from Chateau du Petit Thouars
Rosé from Sancerre (made from the Pinot Noir grape)
If you prefer something a little less dry then look to Anjou. Around 50% of Anjou’s production is rosé wine, the most famous appellation being;
Rosé d’Anjou (typically made from the Grolleau grape, a grape grown locally specifically for the production of fruity rosé wines). Rosé d’Anjou has, by law, to have a little residual sugar in the wine so can’t be technically dry. Don’t let this put you off. If your intention is to drink a glass of chilled rosé in the garden without a meal, a good one from a decent producer is heavenly. We particularly like the Rosé d’Anjous from Chateau de Fesles and Domaine Leduc Frouin. Strawberries and cream in a glass, deliciously easy to drink.
Rosé d’Anjou from Chateau de Fesles
Cabernet d’Anjou is also on the sweeter side and tends to have a little more residual sugar than Rosé d’Anjou. The only grapes permitted are the Cabernets – Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfect served alongside a dessert or bowl of red fruits.
And don’t forget pink fizz. Many of our partner growers make wonderful pink Crémant de Loire, a favourite of ours is from Domaine Arnaud Lambert.
