This column was originally published on the Bordeaux Chauvinist’s website, Cquoi ce vin, or What is this wine? He advises on good value for money wines of all appellations, regions and countries (but he remains a Bordeaux Chauvinist).

I recently received a package with a bottle of 2019 rosé inside, so far nothing very original or exciting, however, the origin to me. called out …

The Château Haut-Bailly!

This Graves classified grower, which produces only red wines, is certainly one of the most delicate and complete of the AOC Pessac-Léognan.

It is a Bordeaux Rosé, even from an exceptional terroir, the habit of our winegrowers is to make rosé to concentrate the red wines (rosé de saignée) and not to make rosé for making rosé sake (pressed rosé) which results in a wine lacking in precision and elegance.

The color of this wine is a deep pink leaving no doubt about the density of the wine, the nose develops aromas of currants, wild strawberries and raspberries, a farandole of red fruits from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Cabernet Franc.

The round and creamy palate reveals notes of ripe strawberries and cherries, the mid-palate is voluminous with a fresh finish, the length is impressive !!! What a wine!

Obviously, this is not a pizza rosé (although I have the greatest respect and weakness for this dish). We are dealing here with a gastronomic Rosé, a Rosé to match with fine food.

It is difficult to offer it as an aperitif because its complexity is expressed from the first sip, but a Mara des Bois strawberry melon, a platter of Langoustines, grilled red mullet … will put this beautiful bottle in the spotlight.

As far as I’m concerned, I paired this wine with grilled duck breast with raspberries, an association that surprised my guests, but who have since bowed down in my path 😊

This wine is only sold at the château for around €20, which is certainly a sum, but it is well worth the expense.

Rush if there are any left.

Editor’s note: The Château Haut-Bailly, a classified growth of the Graves region, has stood in the midst of its single-block, 30-hectare vineyard for over four centuries.