The Story
The Belleruche Rose’ 2016 is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault sourced from vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone region of France. This Rose’ is made by M. Chapoutier Winery, they have been producing wine in the Rhone for over 200 years. One very interesting thing concerning the label, is they have included braille to identify the vintage, the type of wine, the region, and the color. It’s very low key, you have to know it’s there to find it, at first I thought it was some imperfection on the label, but kudos to M. Chapoutier. Grenache and Syrah are the 2 main Red grapes of the Southern Rhone Valley, while Cinsault is a blending grape that is often used in Provence Rose’.
This may be more information than a Rose’ drinker needs to know, but the Belleruche was produced using the Direct Press Method. The are 2 main Rose’ production methods, Direct Press and Saignée. With the Saignée Method part of the juice is diverted to make a Red wine and the other portion to make Rose’, this worked back when Rose’ wasn’t very popular. The Direct Press technique makes Rose’ and only Rose’ and is the main production method now that Rose’ is extremely popular. This Rose’ is aged in concrete and stainless steel vats, both are used extensively for Rhone wines. The alcohol content is a ripe 13.5%.
The Tasting Notes
The color is almost pale copper. The nose is clean and floral, not overpowering, but pretty scents of apple, peach, pear, spring flowers, grapefruit, red berries, with a little candy spice. This Rose’ has a crisp mouthfeel, with bright acidity and solid fruit flavor. It starts with raspberry, the minerality similar to the taste of mineral water, peach, lime/lemon, and dried strawberry. The mid-palate brings grapefruit and orange zest, along with a juicy apple. The acidity is well-balanced, it gives some oomph to the flavors. The finish is full and lingers for a long time.
The Summary
- The Belleruche Rose’ 2018 is a well-made, tasty Rose’. The Cote du Rhone is maybe the best region for French wine values and Belleruche upholds that tradition.
- Rose’ is a French word, they are experts at making the stuff. If you want to explore Rose’ wines France is a good place to start.
- On a side note, if you are in Chicago they serve the Belleruche Rose’ at Wrigley Field. So what do you want, A couple of Buds, or a tasty French Rose’?
