Lieu-Dit-Cocagne Coteaux du Vendomois Rose 2009

The wine is made by a cooperative in Vendomois that was established in 1921.  Today they have 12 independent winemakers and 25 wine growers.  They have 160 ha planted that is designated just to coteaux du vendomois and, of that land, 35% is pineau d'aunis. 

This rose of pineau d'aunis has racy minerality, blazing acidity, is dry like you just chewed up a cottonball (what, you don't do that?) and tart like a bright red cranberry. Refreshing! Light! And as we said before, terribly easy drinking. The price is right, the basement is waiting for its summer stock and last year this wine came and went. So, despite its controversial description, people love it.  

You have to go home from work right?  Stop by and stock-up!

Coteaux du Vendomois rose  $11 a bottle 

 

meet the grape

Pineau d'Aunis
Said to be a favorite of Henry III, pineau d'aunis or, if you prefer, chenin noir, is the predominant red grape varietal planted in the Vendomois.  Well where is Vendome you say?  It sits north of Touraine in the beautifully minerally and briney soils of the Loire region in France. The grape, as you can see, is a light colored red skinned bunch with rather large fruit. Some say it has a distinct lead pencil scent and taste. Others say "pine!" and while none of this probably sounds tasty, it does make for really good, easy drinking - especially as a rose. Trust us, it's good.