Winery: Mas Gabinèle
Region: Faugères (Languedoc)
Locale: Laurens, France
Appellation: Faugères
Designation: AOC 

In a few words: Charmingly smooth and fresh. This Faugère Rosé is on a quest for excellence.

Site: Nestling in the heart of the Faugères appellation, the vineyards cover just over 23 hectares on the foothills of the Cévennes overlooking the village of Laurens at an altitude of 180 meters above sea level. The terroir is comprised of ochre, grey or blue sandstone and schist soils, which are slightly acidic with a fragile structure. This is a high quality but demanding terroir which naturally produces low yields, of around 25 hl/ha. The landscape is undulating, and the vines are surrounded by natural hedgerows, woods and holm oak forests, cork oaks and garrigue. 

Grapes: Grenache 50%, Mourvèdre 50%. Double Cordon de Royat pruning for Mourvèdre, traditional goblet pruning for Grenache and Cinsault. The average yield is 35 hl/ha, harvested by hand.

Fermentation and Aging: Direct pressing on the Grenache (noir & gris). Saignée method is used on the Mourvèdre, after maceration on the skin for a few hours. Slow fermentation (15 days) at controlled temperature.

Notes: The nose is complex, evoking a mix of red fruits: wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and red currant. Smooth and fresh on the palate, with beautiful acidity and creaminess. Serve with sushi, salmon tartare with dill, fresh pélardon.