The La Galope Rose’ 2016 is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Domaine De L’Herré vineyard in the Comte Tolosan IGP region of the Côtes de Gascogne area of Gascony in southwest France (just south of Bordeaux). The proprietor of La Galope says they are not your typical French winery, yes, they are passionate about wine, but everything must be done with good humor. If you can’t have fun making and drinking wine, then when can you have fun. Gascony is in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the vines receive intense sunlight during the day and cooling winds at night giving the grapes a long growing season. This a young, fresh Rose’, aged “on lees” (the dead yeast and grape residue are left with the wine in the vats). The alcohol content is a mild 12%.
The color is pink with a splash of amber. The nose is subtle and pretty, spring flowers, strawberry, melon, cashew, cherry, and a hint of cream. This is a dry, crisp Rose’ with solid acidity and good length. It tastes of fresh raspberry and cherry, honeydew melon. The mid-palate shows a little vanilla along with a slightly salty sensation. The acidity is well-balanced, this is a food wine (it’s from Gascony so it has to be), but it sips very well on its own. It is not as tart and has a bit less acidity as Provence Rose’, the other south of France Rose’. The finish is soft but never goes away.
The La Galope Rose’ 2016 is another example of the French really knowing how to make Rose’. This is summertime in a bottle, the warmer the weather the more appropriate the La Galope Rose’ is. For pairings, I think summer salads would do well especially with a strawberry vinaigrette, also peel it yourself cold shrimp and antipasto (you get the drift, summer food). I found this Rose’ for $8.99, not a bad price for a delicious taste of southwestern France.
