Given the exceptional weather we have been experiencing in England over the last couple of weeks, it does feel that the bottles of rosé should be sitting in the fridge waiting for an opportunity to pull the cork.
This is the first of probably several missives on those beautifully crafted pink items that seem such an essential part of the wine drinking year.
Yapp sent me a note this week announcing the arrival of three from the 2024 vintage, so an order was placed and the next day they arrived. They are speedy on their response times to orders.
Amongst the three was an old favourite that has been the bedrock of summer consumption for many years over the last decade or two. However, all were given equal footing last night, but the old favourite once again one the contest.
Domaine du Bunan came to my attention when Andrew Jefford published his book, ‘The New France’, over two decades ago, and rated the estate as one of the top properties in Southern France. Yapp have been bringing in their wines forever. For those of you who have not bought from Yapp, they are Rhône and Southern France specialists. Yes, of course, they do list wines from many regions and countries, but this is their heartland.
I have listed another of Yapp’s red wines below - Château Estanilles - so if this rosé is tempting, then I would suggest adding a few bottles of this red as well, see below.
1 - Domaine Bunan, Mas de la Rouvière Rosé, 2024
Pale pink, it’s a little reticent on the nose when you pour the first glass, but give it a few minutes and the second glass flows with scents of roses, Charentais melons and red apples. Delicate, almost silky on the palate, good length with peachy flavours, and a round, soft finish. Lightly, tangy acidity with some tropical fruit flavours. It ticks every box. I do not know how much Yapp have brought in but I guess it might sell out rather quickly. Grapes are Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvèdre. It just cements the feeling of a warm summer to come.
£23.25 - Yapp
2 - Château Estanilles 'Vallongue' Rouge, Faugères, 2022
Think of a very upmarket Côtes du Rhône. From the Faugères region that lies within the Languedoc-Roussillon AC in France. The region was first noted for wine production around the time of the French Revolution. 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 15% Carignan, and 5% Mourvèdre. Crafted, and very, very good value. Spicy on the nose and palate with the warmth of the 2022 vintage very apparent. It’s attractive, incredibly easy to drink, and as every day reds go, I’ll be ordering some more. Steak and chips, roast beef, chicken chasseur, pre-dinner drinks with a plate of savoury saucisson.
£17.95 - Yapp
