2017 Domaine Serol, Gamay Rosé, Cote Roannaise “Cabochard” Loire Valley, France.
The pretty bright Serol Rosé comes from the remote Cote Roannaise, which oddly enough is part of the Loire Valley region, though it is sometimes considered the lost Cru of Beaujolais with the reds here made from a unique clone of Gamay, known locally as the Saint Romain. Stephane Serol is the 5th generation winemaker and vigneron for Domaine Serol and has done much to bring attention to the region and works totally organic, and is in full biodynamic conversion, employing those ideals and methods, looking towards full Demeter certification soon, with old vine parcels, some about 80 years old, set on weathered granite soils. With his dry Gamay St. Romain Rosé Serol goes for zippy fresh detailing, it’s direct pressed and cold fermented with subtle maceration with a light tint of pink in the finished wine. Vividly energetic with a steely core, the 2017 shows vibrant acidity and nice mineral tones with tangy cherry, watermelon and racy citrus fruit along with a touch of wet stone and a dusting of herbs and spice. This is a real Summer treat and a stylish example of juicy Gamay Rosé that going get with anything you throw at it, cuisine flexible and get as a refreshing sipper it is a clean and clear quaffer. Light bodied, but with good extract and structure it can please most palates and drink well for another year or two.
($20 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
