The region of the Languedoc is just southwest of Provence and contains many appellations, including the AOC of Terrasses du Larzac—the home of today's producer. Domaine du Pas de L'Escalette has been producing wine in this region for a little over a decade using traditional varieties. The current proprietors, Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau, purchased the estate in 2003; prior to this, Julien worked as a consulting oenologist for Domaine Pellé in Menetou-Salon in the Loire Valley. Their parcels consist of organic vineyards planted mostly to Carignan and Grenache, with small amounts of Syrah and Cinsault. The average age of their vines on the estate is 45 years old, though some are as old as 80 years. Their vineyards are planted on stone walled terraces, locally known as 'clapas,’ at an elevation of 1,150 feet in limestone and clay soils at the foot of the Larzac plateau. Temperatures here are moderate—keeping the natural acidity of the grapes intact and allowing for slow ripening during the growing season. Today's wine is as fresh and invigorating as the mountainous air of this rugged wine growing region. The 2013 Ze rozé is, as Julien and Delphine say, a relaxing wine; it is the kind of wine you can bring on a sunny, afternoon picnic, or open up to pair with a favorite light and refreshing dish. This wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and is aged in stainless steel tanks—keeping the fruit fresh and the terroir pleasurably noticeable. The 2013 Ze rozé is a delicate and delicious tasting experience, and I know lovers of Southern French rosé will enjoy this wine as much as I do. This wine is dangerously drinkable and is by far the best rosé I have ever tasted at this price.