Minervois, France
Vin de France
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.
A rosé from Cinsault and Syrah, coming from Benjamin's organically and biodynamically farmed 30 year old plots in Caunes-Minervois. This is made in a low-intervention style, with stainless steel the preferred vessel for fermentation and 6 months of aging. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal SO2 added. 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 alcohol combo making it the essential patio crusher. Chill well and enjoy with a summer ratatouille, grilled lobster, falafel platter or lightly fried fish.