Nicolas Carmarans Minimus 2022

Nicolas Carmarans was an early champion of natural wine in Paris before returning to make his own wines in the Aveyron, in Occitania, from 2002. This rosé is built from Fer Servadou, the local red grape known for its herbal, fresh character, farmed organically and made with minimal intervention. The Aveyron sits at altitude in southwest France, and the cool climate and high elevation give a long ripening season that holds acidity and keeps alcohol low, here a modest eleven percent. The wine is made naturally, fermented with native yeasts and bottled with little or no added sulphur, an approach that keeps the fruit pure and gives the rosé its delicate, energetic feel. The colour is a pale bright pink. The nose stands out with fresh strawberry and raspberry, with subtle floral notes and a faint earthy edge from the native yeast fermentation. The palate is light, dry and elegant, the low alcohol and bright acidity giving an easy fresh finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees as an aperitif or with light dishes.