Côte Roannaise is the southernmost appellation of the vast Loire Valley. Just an hour west of the most southern reaches of Burgundy, this once seemingly no man’s land of vineyards was granted appellation status in 1994 thanks in part to the serious efforts of today’s producer, Domaine Sérol. Still one of the least known appellations in France, Côte Roannaise continues to deliver insane price-to-quality that is destined not to linger there for long. Perched between 350-450 meters in elevation on a vein of fine granite - akin to the terroir of the greats Crus of Beaujolais - the unique appellation rests west of mountainous terrain that offers a microclimate similar to that of Alsace along the Vosges Mountains. For over five generations, the Sérol family has been tending vines here since the 18th century. Robert Sérol initiated domaine bottling back in 1971 and brought the estate as well as the appellation to prominence. His son, Stéphane, and his wife, Carine, have been at the helm since 2000. Although many producers make wines from the Gamay varietal like their neighbors in Beaujolais, the Sérol family has stood by the heirloom Gamay Saint Romain, which has called Côte Roannaise home long before it was granted AOC status. The Sérols strive for low yields and high quality in the vineyards. They currently practice Lutte Raisonée farming and are in the process of organic certification through the lauded Ecocert.

 

Stéphane vinifies each hand-harvested parcel separately, which translates a terroir with brilliant distinction. He ferments with only native yeast and utilizes direct press and bleeding at cooler temperatures. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation then the decanted nectar is aged three months in concrete tanks before light filtration at bottling. This unique “Cabochard” bottling takes its name from the local dialect for, “stubborn.” Rosé in the Côte Roannaise has traditionally been produced off-dry, but Stéphane endeavored to ferment his rosé dry and produce a style in the vein of Provence. His father teased him for this brilliantly rebellious, stubborn choice, and the name of this stunning wine was born. The result takes elements from the best rosés in France then adds its unique spin that is a true bargain for the quality of the wine.

 

The 2015 Cabochard displays a beautiful salmon core with light pink reflections on the rim. The lively and highly energetic nose boasts aromas of watermelon rind, white peach skin, Meyer lemon, lime blossoms and wet rock, which elicits salivation in anticipation of every thirst-quenching sip. The medium-bodied palate delivers beautiful texture and refreshing acidity wrapped in fresh pomegranate, melon peel, lemon and lime blossom, and is driven by a granitic minerality that makes you crave glass after glass of sheer joy. Decant for 20 minutes and serve no colder than 45-50 degrees in all-purpose stems. To blow your friends’ palates away, serve this simple recipe for Watermelon, Feta and Arugula Salad and toast to the last glorious days of summer.