Jean-Yves Péron vers La Maison Rouge Rosé 2022

Jean-Yves Peron works a two-hectare estate in the village of Chevaline in Savoie, the alpine region of eastern France. He farms organically and biodynamically but chooses not to certify, preferring to let the wine speak for itself, and makes this as a natural, vegan rosé bottled under the Vin de France designation. The blend is Gamay and Mondeuse, the latter a dark, peppery local alpine grape. The mountain setting is key: high altitude and cold nights give a long, slow ripening that preserves acidity and aromatic detail, while the limestone and glacial scree soils give drainage and a mineral edge. As a natural wine it is made with minimal intervention, low or no added sulphur and native yeasts, which gives a savoury, textured style well removed from a polished commercial pink. Expect a pale to medium colour and a nose of red berries, cherry and red currant with earth, dried herbs and a peppery alpine lift. The palate is dry and savoury, with a textured, almost light-red feel and a saline, herbal finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees.