A Fistful of Beaujolais Rosés to Enjoy Before the Summer Departs
Rosé All Year? Not for Me!
Do you drink rosé all year long? Not me, I’m a summer (ok, extend that into September) rosé fan. Not because I have anything against rosé, it’s just the cold Minnesota winters encourage drinking those big reds that languish in the cellar in July and August. I had the opportunity to sample a set of Beaujolais rosés this summer and while I drink a lot of French rosé, I don’t believe I’ve ever had a Beaujolais rosé. They’re less common, so if you see a Beaujolais rosé definitely give it a try!
Disclosure: the wines for this post were provided as samples. No other compensations was involved, all opinions expressed are mine.
(click on any photo below to see a full size slideshow)
J.P. Brun Le Rosé d’Folie 2019 (sample, $20 SRP or online here) 12.5% abv
100% Gamay. Direct-press rosé from the most productive Gamay vines in Brun’s estate vineyards in Charnay in the southern Beaujolais. Concrete-aged on its lees with malolactic fermentation and a little bâtonnage. J.P. Brun’s wines from the basic Beaujolais appellation are anything but basic. He practices organic viticulture and is a minimalist in the cellar. His l’Ancien Beaujolais Nouveau is one of the few I’ll buy.
Eye: Clear, medium pink-orange
Nose: Clean, medium intensity very fresh aromas of white blossoms, apricot, cranberry, strawberry and red cherry. A touch of fresh garden mint was also present.
Mouth: Dry with medium intensity flavors matching the aromas, especially the red fruits: cranberry, strawberry, red cherry with that touch of mint. High, lively acidity, medium alcohol, medium- body with a creamy texture and a medium+ finish.
Conclusions: Very nice fruit forward dry rosé with very lively acidity and a touch of herbs.
We enjoyed the J.P.Brun rosé with a dinner of grilled walleye with potatoes and Julie’s gazpacho.
Chateau Thivin Beaujolais Village Rosé 2018 (sample, $20 SRP or online here) 13% abv
Chateau Thivin is well known for their Côte de Brouilly Beaujolais Cru which we enjoy often. This is my first time trying their rosé!
Eye: Clear, medium pink-orange color
Nose: Clean, medium+ intensity aromas of white blossoms, fresh ripe raspberries, strawberries with wet stones and a touch of fresh tarragon.
Mouth: Dry, with medium+ intensity flavors dominated by the bright, fresh red fruits. High acidity, the wine was fresh and quite tart. Tannins were low and smooth but present. Medium alcohol, medium-body with a lean texture and a medium+ finish.
Conclusions: Even one vintage out, this wine was very fresh. This is a rosé for those who love tart, bright acidity.
We enjoyed this rosé with hamburgers for an easy summer dinner on the porch
Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils Beaujolais Rosé 2019 (sample, $15 SRP, or online here) 13% abv
When you see the “Imported by Kermit Lynch” label on the front you know you have a wine from a family owned winery making wine in a traditional fashion. Always a good bet in my book.
Eye: Clear, medium pink
Nose: Clean, medium intensity very fresh aromas of watermelon, watermelon rind, ripe strawberries and tart raspberries with a bit of white blossom and wet beach gravel behind the fruit.
Mouth: Dry, medium+ intensity flavors which echo the nose, especially the fresh tart red fruits and watermelon rind. Medium alcohol, medium- body, medium+ acidity, lean texture and a nice medium+ length finish.
Observations: This rosé had impeccable balance, between the bright fresh fruit, dry palate and just the right level of sweetness, everything worked so well together. This was one of my personal favorite rosés this summer.
We enjoyed this rosé with a big bowl of steamed little neck clams, made simply with a bit of white wine, cherry tomatoes and basil.
Chateau Cambon Beaujolais Rosé 2018 (sample, $20 SRP or online here) 12% abv
Chateau Cambon is a joint project between some Beaujolais stalwart families: Lapierre, Chanudet and Chamonard. The 50 year old vines are tended without synthetic chemicals or inorganic fertilizers. In the cellar, the grapes are not de-stemmed, whole-cluster vinification with two days maceration. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts lasts one month. No battonage occurs. Aged for five months with a slow and gentle filtering. Bottled with little to no SO2.
Eye: Clear, medium orange color
Nose: Clean, medium- intensity aromas of i underripe cranberry, strawberry, watermelon rind and wet stones.
Mouth: Dry with medium+ intensity flavors following the aromas – with cranberry, strawberry, watermelon rind and stones. Medium+ acidity, barely noticeable low, soft tannins. Medium alcohol, medium- body, lean texture with a medium finish.
Observations: A year out from the vintage, the fruit has softened a bit and the acid has been buffered. Still drinking very nicely, but don’t hold.
We enjoyed this rosé with a Chicken Tzatziki Bowl from What’s Gaby Cooking: Everyday California Food.
Chateau Thivin Beaujolais Villages Rosé
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That’s a nice little bouquet of rosés you have there (and great photos as always)!
I’ve only had a couple of Beaujolais rosés. I’m intrigued by the J.P. Brun and the Chateau Thivin. Looks like great pairings Jeff!
I love that you’ve shown the flexibility of the pairing options! Never would have thought to go with a burger.
Nice haul! I have loved every rosé of Gamay I’ve ever tried. Year round? Absolutely.
Sold! I’ll take them all, especially loving the Dupeuble. Tasted it this summer under their label vs. KLWM… screams watermelon. Thanks for the Tzatziki Bowl idea ;-D