La Porte des Princes Rosé 2018

Grenache features prominently in some of the world’s finest rosés – from Spain’s Navarra (near Rioja) and also from France’s southern Rhône and Provence. There, with Syrah, it lends itself to sumptuous reds, and to delightfully pale and refreshing rosés like this. Award winning winemaker Thierry Ferlay, based at a cellar in Châteauneuf, chose Grenache for its raspberry fruit, with a smaller amount of Syrah for a peppery, herbal edge. Half the grapes were picked by hand, the remainder by machine, at night to maintain maximum freshness. Unlike the Rhône’s most famous rosé, Tavel, La Porte is modest in alcohol, so ideal for sipping at lunch or pre-dinner. Chill well – it’s great with grilled prawns, roast chicken or a Camargue rice pilaf.