2014 Jousset Exilé Rosé Petillant Natural

Region: Montlouis < Loire < France 
Grapes: Gamay Noir
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: organic farming, Clay and sand soil from plots in Loire-et-Cher; 50 yr old vines; fermentation in 400L, 8-year old barrels and steel tanks (50/50)
Winemaker: Bertrand Jousset

From a young couple, non-interventionist vintners Lise and Bertrand, who tend their 25 small vine parcels by hand without chemicals, comes this thoroughly dry, gently sparkling rosé. This bubbly style from Montlouis, Pétillant Originel (often called Pétillant Naturel, or Pet’Nat), won AOC status in 2007. Pétillant Originel must be absolutely natural, nothing added. It is illegal to add sugar or yeast at any stage of the wine’s production, although both are required in Champagne. Less fizzy than Champagne, this is creamy and dry, with loads of red fruits – raspberry, currant and strawberry – on the palate. Refreshing, delicate and a little funky – definitely not your Aunt’s Bartles & James-ish pink juice.