ClosFloridene,LeRosédeFloridene,Bordeaux,2022

Based on Merlot, pale pink, with a pretty perfume of red fruit, it’s subtly pleasing, with hints of stone fruit and flowers. A good all-rounder, enjoyable to drink on its own but with enough substance to accompany food well, it’s a classy alternative to Provence rosés

Clos Floridène, in Pujols sur Ciron in the Graves region, was established on just two hectares in 1982 by Denis and Florence Dubourdieu, and named after a conflation of the foundersâ€?first names. Over the last decades the estate has grown to 40 hectares, with a winery constructed in 2016-18. It’s now run by their son, Jean-Jacques.

The family first made a rosé in the 2004 vintage. Unlike some Bordeaux rosés which are made by the saignée method almost as a by-product of red wine, the rosé here is very carefully crafted, from parcels hand-picked early to preserve fruit freshness and minimise tannins.

Country: France

Region: Graves, Bordeaux

Vintage: 20

Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13.5%

Size: 750ml

Producer: Denis Dubourdieu