Montagne Silicieuse Sancerre Rose 2022

watermelon, fleur de sel, dried hibiscus flowers and dried straw

The explosion in popularity in Rosé over the past decade used to be exclusively focused on those from Provence. Then came the disastrous frosts of 2021 and with it limited supply and big price increases. We then saw a huge jump in sales of “other” Rosés, mostly from France, with some of the most popular being made from Pinot Noir. Here is a great example of why the Rosés from Pinot Noir are so delicious as they provide the same austerity as those from Provence, but more texture and a less austere finish.

Montagne Silicieuse is produced by Pierre Frain from 100% Pinot Noir that grows in the same limestone/clay soils as Sauvignon Blanc in communes of Sancerre. Typically Pinot Noir is planted on the south and east facing slopes for maximum sunlight. The grapes for his wine are hand harvested from the younger vines, then destemmed and put into a stainless steel tank to settle. After 12 hours the juice is drained to another tank and fermented at low temperature. The result is a wine with gorgeous aromas of watermelon, fleur de sel, dried hibiscus flowers and dried straw. On the palate it has a delicate feel with surprising fruit intensity that carries into the classic Sancerre mineral-tinged finish. Drink 2024-2025 with smoked salmon canapés, seafood crepes with saffron or baked brie with raspberry preserves.