2021 Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé, Loire Valley

Organic. 100% Cabernet Franc. Baudry’s irresistible rosé is drawn from vines rooted in the gravel terroir of Grézeaux and a parcel called Les Balais, which was originally planted by Matthieu’s father some 30 years ago. In contrast to Grézeaux, Les Balais is on clay and flint silex soils. 

Extremely low yields have resulted in a textured yet delicate wine redolent of just-picked nectarines, wild strawberries and mountain herbs, supported by a vein of blood orange or Campari-like bitterness at the end. It’s fragrant, super-crisp and dry with a backbone of crunchy acidity. Decent texture too, but this is more about finesse and freshness. It’s great to have some back, even if it is unlikely to last long.