Mary Taylor Agenais Rose 2022

Blood Orange Peel, Strawberry Leaf, Watermelon Rind, White Pepper

If the term “Agenais” does not ring a bell, rest assured you are not alone. The IGP Agenais is a relatively new classification, established in 2011, which covers the wines of France’s Lot-et-Garonne region. Located south of Bordeaux, this appellation cultivates many of the same varieties as its northern neighbor, albeit in a drier, slightly warmer climate. Mary sources this rosé from Christophe Avi, biodynamic winemaker and cat lover, who also produces red wines in neighboring Buzet. The rosé is Christophe’s passion project and a lighter-bodied look at two varieties he calls “the life-blood of the region.”

To make this wine, Christophe utilizes fruit from younger vine plantings of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the sandy soils of the Agenais, both varieties ripen well while maintaining their natural acidity. With minimal intervention in the vineyard or the winery, this wine is a prime example of terroir-driven rosé even with an additional year of age. To that end, when opening this wine you will want to serve it cool, but not ice cold, about 55 degrees should suffice.