2022 Domaine de Pallus 'Messanges' Chinon Rose

Welcome to spring!  This lovely pink of 100% Cabernet Franc has just-arrived from the Loire Valley for your spring and summer quaffing pleasure.  It is here, I think, where Cab Franc gets to swing on the hammock and wear a pair of sunglasses instead of getting swept up in all that serious winemaking rigmarole!  And Pallus’ Messanges is just that wine.  In fact, Messanges, the word, is the local name from Cab Franc and a purer expression of the grape I cannot imagine.  And yes, veteran Bordelaise winemaker Bernard Sourtais can make very serious Chinon if he wants to; his Pallus Pallus is one of the most amazing and intense expressions of the grape I’ve ever enjoyed, but I do think Chinon Rose is where it’s at!   Light on its feet but surprisingly satisfying, it’s everything you could ask for. It is delightfully dry with snappy violet flower and spice aromatics and thoroughly charming yellow cherry fruit on a light, lively, mineral-infused frame.  So lovely!  *** Hammocks and *** Arugulas on PRIMA’s scientific Rose scale.