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French Rosé is More than Provence
June brings our French Winophiles to summer and rosé. Provençal Rosé has made a worldwide reputation for itself and for good reason. However, there are many regions of France producing excellent rosés, some expressing a different approach. Today, I’m highlighting a couple of rosés from the Loire Valley including one which might come as a surprise. Take a look toward the bottom of this post link to posts covering other finds from our expert French Winophiles!

Loire Valley Rosé Wines
The Loire River is one of the major rivers and indeed is the longest river in France. From its source not far from Lyon, it traverses the country to the Atlantic ocean just west of Nantes. Given the variety of grapes grown in the valley, Loire Valley rosés made be made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other lesser known red varieties. The Loire Valley is in the north of France grape growing regions, with an overall cool climate and ranging from Maritime conditions in the west to Continental conditions in the central vineyards. This means Loire Valley rosés can express a wide variety of flavors and textures, well worth exploring!

Disclosure: none needed, wines were purchased at retail. All opinions expressed are mine.

Cabernet d’Anjou – Sweet Rosé
Cabernet d’Anjou is an AOC wine which is required to be produced as a sweet rosé, referred to as “tendre”. The grapes are either Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon and they are grown in the Anjou region between Angers and Saumur. While many hesitate today to try a sweet rosé, Cabernet d’Anjou is the most popular grocery store rosé in France! If you’d like to learn more, the Vins de Loire has some additional information here.

Maison Foucher-Lebrun “En Mirebeau” 2023 Cabernet d’Anjou AOC ($16 locally here) 11.5% abv
This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, fermented and aged in stainless steel to emphasize freshness.
Eye: Medium orange
Nose: Medium plus intensity aromas of ripe fruits such as peach, mango, pineapple
Mouth: Semi-sweet with a rich texture, medium acidity, full body, medium alcohol, medium plus intensity flavors, medium finish. The flavors follow the nose with ripe tropical fruit flavors.
Observations: People who find most dry rosés too harsh may love this wine. The sweetness in this wine softens the acidity without becoming flabby. I enjoyed this wine partnered with a first course salad with a very tart vinaigrette.

Touraine Rosé
The Touraine region extends both east and west from Tours. Touraine rosé wines can be made from a wide variety of grapes, but Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Pineau d’Aunis are the main varieties used. Touraine rosés are typically produced in a fun, fruity style.

Thierry Delauney Selection “Le Grand Ballon” Rosé Touraine AOC ($15 locally here) 12%abv
Eye: Pale orange
Nose: Medium plus intensity aromas of bright, fresh red cherries, strawberries, raspberries
Mouth: Dry, refreshing high acidity, medium minus body, medium alcohol, medium plus intensity flavors, medium finish. The bright fresh red cherry, strawberry, raspberry flavors shine with the refreshing acidity.
Observations: Totally refreshing and delicious, there is no need to contemplate and reflect, just enjoy!

Loire Valley Rosé at the Summer Dinner Table
We enjoyed our Loire Valley rosés with a dinner of roasted cod with burst tomatoes and green olives from the NY Times. I personally like more of the flavorful vegetables and sauce with virtually any recipe, so I doubled the tomatoes, olives, capers and butter in the recipe. The Touraine rosé was an immediate hit. Since I love a refreshingly acidic rosé, the Cabernet d’Anjou took a little more effort but I ended up liking the wine especially in the presence of the tart green olives.

French Rosés Showcased by Fellow Winophiles
Provence is great, but French rosé is so much more than just Provence. Take a look below to see the rosés our French Winophiles writers are highlighting.
• A Serious Rhône Rosé with a Nostalgic Fast Food Sandwich Reimagined by Culinary Cam
• Bugey Cerdon – Semi-Sweet Sparkling Rose from Jura by Wineivore
• Simple Green Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Vinaigrette paired with Gerard Bertrand Rose by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Surprising Rosés from the Loire Valley by Food Wine Click
• Organic Côtes du Rhône Rosé with Salmon Cakes, Squash Soup, Salad and From Luberon with Love: Four Organic Chateau de Sannes Rosé Paired with Venison Bourguignon by Wine Predator…Gwendolyn Alley
• The Joys of Tavel and a Salade Niçoise by Crushed Grape Chronicles
• Uncorking Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying French Rose Wines While Camping by A Good Life