2024 Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Rosé, Loire Valley

The term "Rosé de Loire" is often taken lightly, a bit like casually uttering a witty remark on a terrace. This AOP covers the banks of the Loire River, from Angers to Tours, with one common denominator: the Loire Valley's characteristic freshness, never exaggerated, always straightforward. It is here that Thibaud Boudignon cultivates his vines on the hills above Savennières with the precision of a goldsmith and a demanding nature bordering on obsession. His "Rosé de Loire" unfolds aromas of fresh redcurrant, grapefruit zest, and an ethereal floral touch—a hint of fleur de sel. But nothing sweet, ever. It is taut, clean, pure. On the palate, the wine stretches like a bowstring. The texture is fine, but not thin; it glides, vibrant, with a perfectly balanced acidity. Notes of raspberry, a hint of fresh grass, and an echo of warm stone on the finish. No artifice. No technical embellishment. Just grapes, soil, time — and a humble but sure hand. Serve at 10°C. Excellent with smoked salmon bagel, pork loin with apples, lobster bisque, salt cod brandade, ceviche, black cod fillet, cabbage rolls, or teriyaki salmon fillet.

90 points Bacchus Magazine

From the schist and volcanic influenced soils of Anjou, Thibaud Boudignon has quickly become one of the Loire Valley’s most compelling modern producers, crafting wines of purity, precision and striking energy. Known primarily for his world class Chenin Blanc, Boudignon applies the same meticulous vineyard work and low intervention philosophy to his rosé, sourcing carefully farmed Cabernet Franc fruit that captures both freshness and subtle depth. This is Loire rosé with intent, shaped by cool river breezes and thoughtful winemaking that favours elegance over overt fruitiness.

A delicate pale salmon pink shimmers in the glass with luminous clarity. Aromas lift gently with wild strawberry, red currant and pink grapefruit layered with hints of rose petal, crushed herbs and a faint mineral note. There is a poised, almost understated perfume that feels refined and quietly inviting.

The palate is crisp and beautifully balanced, delivering flavours of raspberry, blood orange and juicy watermelon framed by vibrant acidity and a lightly textured mid palate. A subtle saline freshness and savoury nuance carry through the long, refreshing finish, making the wine both serious and effortlessly drinkable. Best enjoyed over the next two to three years while its energy and aromatic charm remain at their peak.

Perfect for sunlit tables and relaxed gatherings, it shines with grilled prawns, tomato and burrata, charcuterie or fresh summer salads. Put on some Serge Gainsbourg or let a little French disco float through the speakers, and suddenly the afternoon stretches into evening with laughter, second bottles and that unmistakable Loire sense of easy sophistication.