Rosés from Foncalieu

I was sent a selection of rosés from one of the big Languedoc players, Foncalieu, and this is what I tasted.

2019 Ensédune, Coteaux d’Ensérune, Cabernet – 5.90€

A rather charming label, with a photograph of the vignerons, Stephane et Nelly G, vignerons d’Ensérune, vous présentent…. 

Pure Cabernet Franc, although the label does not specify.  Three months in stainless steel vats, with a weekly bâtonnage. Pretty pale colour.  Quite rounded nose with some ripe fruit on the palate, but also it tastes a tad heavy, although it is only 12.5°, with a note of boiled sweets. 

2019 Le Versant, Grenache Rosé Pays d’Oc – 6.90€

Pure Grenache grown on north-facing slopes.  Direct pressing and three months ageing in stainless steel vats with a little bâtonnage.  A pretty pink. Quite a ripe rounded nose, as you would expect with Grenache.   Combined with a rounded palate, with some weight and fruit.  A hint of sweetness on the finish, coming from the ripe grapes. 

2019 Piquepoul Noir, Coteaux d’Ensérune – 7.90€

An unusual grape variety for rosé; I have had it more often as a fresh red wine.  Pretty pale colour.  Light fresh fruity nose, with a hint of raspberry.  On the palate quite firm acidity, but still very young and crisp. A little weight but needs to fill out on the finish, which it will as the summer progresses.  13°

2019 Domaine Haut Gléon, Vallée du Paradis  - 9.90€

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Gris and Marselan, from Foncalieu's flagship property in the Corbières.  A bit of a fruit salad of grape varieties, but it worked surprisingly well.   Four months ageing in stainless steel vats.   Pale colour.  Quite a rounded nose, with a rounded palate.  Notes of raspberry with lightly mouth filling weight.  Good depth on the finish.  A food rosé, which went beautifully with a piece of salmon.   13.5° 

2019 Château Haut Gléon, Corbières – 12.00€

Half and half Syrah and Grenache.  Four months in stainless steel vats.  Quite a vibrant pale pink – a little too vivid.  Quite a fragrant nose and a rounded palate with some weight and depth. Quite ripe and mouth filling and quite a rich 14°. It goes a touch heavy on the finish, but that makes it a good food rosé   

2019 Paradis Secret, Languedoc - 10.90€

A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.  Direct pressing and some ageing on the lees.  Pretty pale colour, orange pink.  A delicate nose and a similarly delicate palate.  Elegant subtle with fresh acidity.   An elegant food rosé that would also serve as an aperitif.   I liked this a lot.   The very best of the bunch.