Clos del Rey Le Sabina - Rosé 2023
Category | Rosé Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Clos del Rey |
Origin | France, Roussillon, Côtes de Roussillon |
Alcohol/vol | 13% |
In the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean sea, Clos del Rey is situated in the center of almost 900 acres in the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family since 2001. The vineyard itself is nestled among a protected area of garrigues (rosemary, thyme, cistus.) Vines of up to 120 years of age are allowed to grow natural and untrained, in the old-fashioned way, known as the goblet/bush style. Though, it is what lies beneath the vineyard that lends much of the character and complexity found in their wines. An abandoned iron mine resides on the property, imparting red and orange hues to the soils of Clos del Rey, as well as a soft minerality and silky mouthfeel to the wines.
Le Sabina rosé is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Carignan from vines at over 500 meters in Fenouillèdes, next to Maury. In the glass, the wine pours a deep pink with scarlet highlights. On the nose, aromas of fresh watermelon explode from the glass, mixed with ripe red cherry and a flinty minerality. The palate is focused and concentrated with a structure that fills the whole mouth while retaining great freshness. The fruit is strongest on the attack, gradually floating away to leave a clean rocky finish reminiscent of wet stone. Le Sabina is a brilliant rosé because of its structure and intensity, yet also is refreshing enough to enjoy on its own. Pair with baked salmon, cod brandade or Catalan-style tuna or chicken.