Les Fumées Blanches Rosé 2024

Domaines François Lurton makes this rosé in the Côtes de Gascogne in southwest France, under its Vignoble du Sud-Ouest label. The name Les Fumées Blanches refers to the morning mists that drift through the vines like white smoke, cooling the fruit and shielding it from the southern sun. The wine is a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, picked at dawn to keep the fruit cool and avoid oxidation before it reaches the cellar. After a short maceration that gives the wine its pale colour, the grapes are pressed lightly and fermented at controlled temperature to preserve the fresh aromatics. The cool nights and Atlantic-influenced climate of Gascony hold the natural acidity, which suits a fresh, dry rosé. The colour is pale pink. The nose is fresh and bright, with redcurrant, wild strawberry and white peach lifted by citrus. The palate is dry and crisp, light bodied, with a clean lemony acidity and a refreshing finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It is an easy aperitif and suits white fish, shellfish and summer salads.