Wine of the week: Chateau Pennautier Rosé 2010
Posted on June 23rd, 2012
Saved in Rosé wine, Sour Grapes recommends, Under €10, Wine
Dunnes have this down to €8 though I’m not sure how long that’s for. Unlike the sickly, confectionary pink hues you’ll see on supermarket shelves, this is a lighter salmon/copper colour. It’s from the large, but illustrious producer, Lorgeril.
The Chateau itself is in the small hamlet of Pennautier, a few minutes drive from Carcassone. It’s the “Versailles of the South”. Okay, I added that bit but they did host Louis XIII, who left his bed behind him.
The AOC is Cabardès which allows for (or insists on) a mix of grapes from the Atlantic (i.e. the Bordeaux) grapes and those from the Med. This has Cab. Franc, Merlot, Grenache and Syrah.
Anyway, behind the big producer and the big Chateau is a beautifully crisp, soft rosé. Really refreshing and at a nice refreshing price of €8. Pick up a few, you’ll want to go back for more.
I’ve had the red from the same Chateau, bought for a touch more. (Did you mean euro or “quid”)It was quite complex and after a couple of bottles I’ve learnt that it needs a good 2 hours breathing. I had the fourth bottle in the case on Sunday and its improved in the last few months more than I would expect for a wine of that price. By the way-good article on en primeur.
It was in euro, and on special offer in Dunnes. They also do the “Terroirs d’Altitude” with almost the identical label and it’s more complex. Particularly the red.
2009 Rose was in Mallow Dunes @ €10 today. No sign of red.
Wow, the 2009! They’re already on the 2011 vintage and for rosé, I’d like it as fresh as it can be so aim for the 2011 or 2010 at a stretch.