“…both of these offer excellent value for their respective price tags…”
When casual wine drinkers think of wine from Sancerre, they are almost always considering Sauvignon Blanc, because that’s what is in the majority of bottles with “Sancerre” on the label. However, this small Loire Valley district also produces Pinot Noir, some of which is vinified to make rosé, and that’s what I found in my most recent visit to (where else?) our friendly neighborhood Costco.
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These two have been in the bins of the wine department for the last few weeks, and after looking at them during preceding visits, I decided to give them both a try. I couldn’t find any background information on either of these producers, not even on the importer’s website, but, happily, the wines themselves tell me all I need to know about them.
2022 Lucien Raimbault Origine Sancerre Rosé, 13% alc., $16.99: I searched for a vintage on both front and back labels of this bottle and couldn’t find one, but the bin says it’s 2022. That’s Costco’s story and I’m stickin’ to it. Pale salmon pink, it tastes fresh and lively, with an attractive, slightly tart core of watermelon and strawberry underscored with some riverstone minerality that emerges more with air. Racy and ready, right here, right now. I could drink this stuff all the time. 100% Pinot Noir. Find this wine
2022 Marquis de Grandville Sancerre Rosé, 12.5% alc., $11.99: A deeper, darker pink color than the selection above, and every bit as fresh and refreshing. More in the cherry and raspberry flavor spectrum, this also has that underlying minerality that rounds out its appealing personality. Medium bodied, with brisk, balanced acids, this is a delight to drink now and an excellent buy in dry rosé. 100% Pinot Noir. Find this wine
Imported by MISA IMPORT, Dallas TX
Now, one might look at the difference in price between these two and wonder, “Why should I spend the extra $5 on the Raimbault Origine, when the Marquis de Grandville is so good for less money?” My response would be that both of these offer excellent value for their respective price tags, and are worthy offerings for anyone who likes dry rosé as much as we do at our house. By all means, grab a bottle or two of the Marquis de Grandville, but don’t pass up the Origine. That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it.
Reporting from Day-twah,
Bastardo
