n.v. Domaine Brazilier, Méthode Trad Brut Rosé, Cremant de Loire, Sparkling Wine, Loire Valley, France.
The unique, vibrant and tasty all organic méthode traditionnelle Crémant de Loire Rosé “Méthode Trad” by Domaine Brazilier is made of 100% Pineau d’Aunis, a rare local varietal, and showing off a fine mousse and bright flavors on the bone dry palate. Generous and fruit driven, the pale ruby/salmon hued Méthode Trad Rosé has a mineral and stony essence to back up the red peach, apple, sour cherry, citrus and strawberry fruits, as well as some leesy notes and spice that adds complexity. For this wine, Domaine Brazilier did a natural yeast fermentation, with gently pressed organic grapes, in steel tanks, and then aged it for 12 months on its lees before a traditional Champagne disgorgement, with a secondary cultured yeast and with a very low dosage. This sparkler went nicely with a rage of starter plates and briny caviar, making it a welcome and refreshing discovery, and I recommend keeping an eye out for this Loire rarity.
The Domaine Brazilier, based in the Côteaux du Vendômois of France’s Loire Valley, is run by the 6th and 7th generation of Braziliers with father and son Jean and Benoît working the vineyards and running the cellars here, with small parcels of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gamay, along with Chenin Blanc, Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc and a tiny bit of Pinot Noir. The wines range from Vin de Pays to appellation Coteaux du Vendômois offerings, as well as their unique versions of Cremant de Loire, including this Rosé, which is all Pineau d’Aunis, and a Blanc with Chenin Blanc and no skin contact Pineau d’Aunis. The Méthode Trad Rosé comes from 25 year old vines set on chalky soil and limestone soils, which are now all biodynamically farmed and are hand tended and harvested. This Rosé bubbly is fun and distinctive stuff and a nice value, it goes great with food and can be enjoyed all on its own and I look forward to trying more of the Brazilier’s wines soon.
($25 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive