Domaine de la Prébende Beaujolais Rosé

Domaine de la Prébende is a family estate in Beaujolais with roots going back generations, run today by Ghislaine Dupeuble, whose family has farmed clay and limestone soils that are a little unusual for a region dominated by granite. That terroir gives their wines a distinctly mineral quality you do not always find in Beaujolais. This rosé is 100% Gamay, which is really the only grape that matters here. Gamay makes a natural rosé, all bright fruit and freshness without any of the weight or seriousness that can sometimes creep into other regions. The color is a pretty pale pink. On the nose it is light and floral with strawberry, crushed raspberry and a subtle hint of roses. There is also a faint smoky, earthy quality underneath that keeps it from being one dimensional. On the palate it is crisp and lively with good acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. It is not a complicated wine and it does not try to be. It is exactly what a good rosé should be: easy to drink, food friendly and genuinely fun.