The 2023 Baudry Chinon “Le Rosé” Has Arrived!
2023 was a complicated vintage in the Loire Valley with periods of high heat and heavy rainfall making things difficult for the winemakers. Weather during flowering was excellent however, bringing the potential for good quantities, and weather at the end of September into October was sunny and dry bringing ripeness and balance to the Cabernet Franc grapes of Chinon and Bourgueil. Tasted before bottling, the 2023 Le Rosé seemed a bit brighter than the very ripe 2022, in a clean, refreshing style sure to bring great enjoyment over the nest 2 to 3 years. And the good news is that there is a little bit more wine this year - case purchases are possible, with a 10% discount!
As always, this is one of the most elegant and delicious of all French rosés, a reflection of the Baudry's superb organic vineyard work and the great terroir, as well as their great talent in vinifications with minimal added SO2. The Cabernet Franc grapes are primarily sourced from a small plateau vineyard just above "La Croix Boisee" called "Les Balais," with stony clay/silex soils over limestone. This terroir brings a unique backbone of acidity and mineral flavors to the lovely fruit. The grapes are hand-harvested of course, pressed gently and slowy fermented in un-lined cement vats with wild yeasts (with no added SO2) until dry - less than 2 grams/liter residual sugar. A very small amount of SO2 is added before bottling, with the low level of sulfites contributing to the crystalline purity of this wine.
This elegant, silky-textured, complex and refreshing wine will bring some joy to your summer – don’t miss it!
