Abbesse Rosé 2024

We’ve long been fans of the Loire whites from the Bougrier’s 6th-generation cellar on the River Cher. This vibrant rosé shows the family are equally deft working with the region’s classic red grapes. It’s a dashing blend of Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Best known in Beaujolais, Gamay also excels in the Loire, lending juicy strawberry notes, while Cabernet Franc is more raspberry and leafy. After a gentle crushing, the juice was drawn off the skins to ensure a pale pink hue and cool fermented to retain lovely summer berry notes. Its name pays tribute to Louise de Bourbon, a French noblewomen who, in the 16th century, oversaw the expansion of the abbeys. Her motif was the winged L. Delicious solo, it's a top choice with seafood, salads or pilaf.