Tasting Notes: 

Domaine Audebert et fils 2023 Bourgueil Rosé was made from a 3 hectare parcel with a minimum of 15 year old vines. The grape are harvested by hand. This rose is 100% Cab Franc and is made from 55%  saignée and 45% direct to press. The wine was fermented in stainless steel with temperature control which allows the wine to ferment at cooler temperatures and helps develop complexity and flavor. 

This bright rosé shows notes of ripe strawberry, red cherry, grapefruit, orange zest, rose petal, and a dusting of white pepper. Round and zesty on the palate, with  a mix of red berry fruit. I get hints of blood orange, a touch of spice, and minerality.

Domaine Audebert et Fils Wines: 

The Audeberts have been making wines in the Bourgueil region since 1839. Their family estate spreads over 42 hectares across the appellations of Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil and Chinon. Here François and his team including his sons grow Cabernet Franc. Locally known as ‘Breton’ it is the only authorized grape varietal in Bourgueil and is grown on 4 different soils: sand, gravel, siliceous clay and clay limestone. The presence of such diverse soils provides their cuvées unique character and typicity. 

Rosé: 

Rosé is a tricky one because it’s not a varietal in of itself, it’s a style of wine. All rosé, well true rosé, is red wine. But it can be made from many different kinds of red grapes and into a number of different style wines. There are two main ways rosé wines are produced. This wine was made using the maceration method where grapes are picked specifically to make rosé and are pressed off their skins quickly. This is because all the color pigment in wine comes from the skins.

Bourgueil, France: 

Bourgueil is one of the middle Loire’s three notable red wine sub-regions. Although technically part of the Touraine district (which is defined by the political boundaries of the city of Tours), Bourgueil is markedly different from its neighbors. In fact, it is often grouped together with Chinon just on the other side of the river. But we’ll talk more about Chinon a little later in the class. 

Facing directly south, with a dense forest giving protection from the north winds, Bourgueil benefits from a gentle microclimate thanks to the moderating effects of the Loire river. In line with the quintessentially French notion of terroir, Bourgueil wines strongly reflect the soils in which the wines are grown. The gravely, alluvial soils close to the banks of the Loire generate lighter, fresher styles with aromas of red berries and licorice. Whereas the areas that are rich in the local “tuffeau jaune” stones produce richer and spicier wines with more “animal” aromas like leather. 

Food & Wine Pairing: 

For food pairing the winemaker recommends charcuterie, white meats like roast pork or chicken, and a classic pairing for grilled meat and vegetables. Rosés that have a heavier body thanks to it being partially saignee are a person's best friend at a BBQ. 

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