Country: France Region: Eastern Languedoc  Varietal:  Grenache Vintage: 2017 Colour: Rose Style: Dry Producer: Chateau Monrouby Monrouby is a small village in the Languedoc, close to Pomerols, which is... where we make the Baron de Badassière and the Vignes de l'Eglise wines. Graeme Paul, who makes these wines for us, was impressed with the fruit from this village in 2011, so decided to vinify several varietals separately. Vineyards The vineyards are located on low lying hills with the Bassin de Thau, a string of lakes, moderating the climate. There is little rain in the summer and the gentle breezes from the lakes and Mediterranean sea lowers evaporation and reduces vine stress. Vintage Information Heavy rain episodes in autumn 2014 were followed by very little rain in winter and spring of 2015. There was 30% less rain than the previous vintage. Early flowering led to a ten day advance in the growth cycle. Summer was dry especially in July, but the grapes did not suffer drought thanks to the water reserves in the soil. September was marked by Indian summer weather, which had a positive impact on the vineyards and final stages of ripening. Vinification The fruit was harvested in the early hours of morning and gently pressed in a pneumatic press under CO2 in order to retain the fresh, primary fruit flavours. The wine was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine was racked off its lees and tartrate stability occurred naturally over the winter. No oak was used. Tasting Notes Pale salmon in colour, this refreshing Provencal style rose is brimming with fragrant red berry fruit with a hint of dried herbs. The palate is round with crisp acidity and a smooth finish. Perfect as an aperitif or with light Mediterranean style dishes or small plates and nibbles.