Abbesse Rosé 2021

We’ve long been fans of Noël Bougrier's Loire whites from his 4th-generation family cellar on the River Cher. This vibrant rosé shows he has an equally deft hand with the region’s classic red grapes. It’s a dashing blend of Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Best known in Beaujolais, Gamay also excels in the Loire, lending juicy strawberry notes, while Cabernet Franc is more raspberry and leafy. After a gentle crushing, the juice was drawn off the skins to ensure a pale pink hue and cool fermented to retain lovely summer berry notes. Its name pays tribute to Louise de Bourbon, a French noblewomen who, in the 16th century, oversaw the expansion of the abbeys. Her motif was the winged L. Delicious solo, it's a top choice with seafood, salads or pilaf.