Domaine De Fontsainte Gris De Gris 2022 750ml

The Fontsainte vineyards surround the hamlet of Boutenac in the area known as "The Golden Crescent." This swath of land is one of the sunniest in the appellation of Corbières, enjoying south-southeast exposure, and protection from the cold, northeast winds by a large 500-hectare forest. The cooler sea breezes from the Mediterranean also help this sun-soaked terroir achieve balance. Fontsainte believes "great wines are made in the vineyard" and less in the cellars. They farm the land sustainably and keep treatments to a minimum. Silica, clay, and limestone dominate the subsoil of Fontsainte's vineyards. Many of their vines are older, especially the parcel known as La Demoiselle, which recently celebrated its hundredth year. 

The Domaine's vineyards are planted with the usual Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Carignan mélange you'd expect in the Languedoc. Still, the secret behind this great rosé is Grenache Gris, a pale crimson-skinned varietal generally used as a blending grape but magical as a rosé. The Fontsainte Rosé comprises about half Grenache Gris and the remainder a field blend of everything else, all made using the saignée method to produce a very pale, delicate rosé. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve the natural bright acidity, and the result is one of the finest rosés on the planet and easily the best value.