2015 Mas de Libian Bout D’Zan Rose

Price: $19
Region: Cotes du Rhone < France 
Grapes: Grenache, Counoise, Syrah
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming; mixture of clay-limestone, galets roulés and sandy soils; 6 months aging in used barrels, then 4-month natural fermentation in bottle; minimal added SO2 at bottling only
Winemaker: Hélène Thibon

This crisp, coppery rosé was grown biodynamically by three sisters who run Mas de Libian, a family estate that dates back to the 1600s. They took over the organic farm, set on a plateau in the rocky terrain of the Ardèche region of the Southern Rhone, from their papa, who had the girls helping out in the vineyards from a young age. The family horse still pulls the plough through the vineyard.. No chemicals are used and very low yields are the norm. The Bout d’Zan (the name referring to a traditional French licorice candy, and is also a nickname the sisters use for their father) is made in the classic Provençal style, with all three varieties being delicately pressed into tank after a short maceration. The result is a structured and complex rose that reminds me of a vibrant baby Bandol. Savory and herbal, with sage and rosemary and lively, crunchy red fruit. Perfect for autumn, but has legs to take it through spring and beyond.