Minervois, France
Vin de France
A rosé from Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah, coming from Benjamin's organically and biodynamically farmed 30 year old plots in Caunes-Minervois and made in a low-intervention style. This is a fruit punch of a wine, with freshly crushed strawberries, ripe raspberries, orange zest, orange blossom florality and the tangy, sort-of-cranberry flavour of goji berry. This is as all-purpose as a rosé gets with its fresh, highly drinkable and low(ish) alcohol combo making it the essential patio crusher. Chill well and enjoy with a summer ratatouille, grilled lobster, falafel platter or lightly fried fish.
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Benjamin Taillandier is an unassuming man. His winery, and vineyards, are unassuming too. As is his start in the wine world, which might be the most unassuming part of this whole story. Benjamin came from a family with no history of winemaking, attended (and graduated) from winemaking school and worked brief stints at a few French wineries before settling in Caunes-Minervois to make wine under his own name. His story doesn't conjure any fantasies about grands chateaux or prestigious appellations. It is, however, much more direct and relatable. And it is the very essence of why Benjamin's wines are so damn good.