Winemaker Notes
Denis Jamain’s sunset-hued rosé always contains an Alsatian tinge. While firmly rooted in Reuilly’s Kimmeridgian limestone soils—the same as Chablis—it has the silky viscosity, stone fruit, and floral notes reminiscent of Alsatian Pinot Gris to go along with the refreshing acidity and minerality I love in Loire whites. This unique combination pleases year after year.
Whether it’s playful and fun or savory and serious, most rosé today is not your grandmother’s White Zinfandel, though that category remains strong. Pink wine has recently become quite trendy, and this time around it’s commonly quite dry. Since the pigment in red wines comes from keeping fermenting juice in contact with the grape skins for an extended period, it follows that a pink wine can be made using just a brief period of skin contact—usually just a couple of days. The resulting color depends on grape variety and winemaking style, ranging from pale salmon to deep magenta.
On the far eastern border of the Loire Valley, Reuilly shares much in common with its neighbor, Sancerre. While Sauvignon blanc is the star variety of both, this region has earned its devoted fans of reds and rosé wines made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.