2018 Maison Lorgeril “L’Orangeraie Rosé” VDP d’Oc, France (Alcohol 12.5%, Residual Sugar 6 g/L) LCBO Vintages $12.05 (750ml bottle)
Another month, another rosé recommendation? Well, yes… and why on earth not?
This perennial summer LCBO release certainly won’t break the bank, and whilst it’s decidedly a little rough around the edges, there is still lots to love about this extremely inexpensive rosé from the south of France and having tasted this over many a vintage, I feel that this is the best release yet. Seriously, I don’t think that you could possibly pick up a better rosé for $12.05.
Made from a combo of 70% Cinsault and 30% Grenache, it shows the requisite pale pink for a southern French rosé and exhibits a reasonably pretty nose of ripe wild strawberries/raspberries, lemon, and delicate white flowers. On the palate there is some pretty decent acidity, but lacking is the firmness and finesse found in more nuanced examples. If the truth be told, the palate is a little clunky, but well chilled down on a hot summer day or night nobody is really going to notice these little flaws. There’s undeniably a little bit of bitterness on the very back of the palate, but I do not see this as a bad thing in any way at all.
Best enjoyed in large volumes with friends outdoors, but also most pleasant consumed alone in the near-dark.
Now if only they sold this in the 3 litre bag-in-box that is available in the France and other parts of the EU… surely there’s a demand for such a wine in this format over here in Canada?
(Three and half apples out of a possible five)
Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And that’s a solid late summer sipper.
