Rosé. I’m happy to drink it year round, and when I find one I really like I’m happy to drink it vintage after vintage; returning to it like a long-time friend. Such is the case for me with Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé. The 2015 vintage is the third I’ve enjoyed and received as a tasting sample. I feel we are now well acquainted.
Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé is one of several wines produced by Michel Chapoutier under his Domaine de Bila-Haut label. Domaine Bila-Haut is located in the commune of Latour de France in the Agly Valley within the Roussillon region of the Languedoc. The Roussillon is very close to France’s border with Spain. In spite of the fact that the blend of this rosé varies from vintage to vintage the flavors are consistently delicious.
2015 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé — salmon-pink in the glass with generous aromas of perfume and ripe boysenberries. The flavors are bright and crisp, leading with raspberries and blackberries then finishing with stony minerality and a sprinkling of citrus zest. So refreshing and flavorful. 13% abv. About $15.
The blend of the 2015 vintage is 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah with just enough maceration time to develop that lovely color. Each variety was fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before blending.
We enjoyed the 2015 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé on a warm evening and found it paired well with a summer salad of grilled corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, basil with a drizzle of olive oil. It would make a beautiful partner to grilled fish, chicken or pork. Fancy food is not required; fresh, well-seasoned dishes will do nicely. Food is, however, optional. This delightful rosé would be perfect to sip on a warm afternoon, too.
Thanks to our friends at Creative Palate Communications for sending this delightful rosé our way. Another great choice!
Cheers!
