L'Estabel Grande Cuvée Comtesse 2024

Southern France is home to some of the world’s most elegant rosés, and the berry- and citrus-accented L’Estabel Grande Cuvée Comtesse may just be one of our most exciting find in years.

The wine comes from the Languedoc’s tiny Cabrières region, which has produced fine rosé since 1357 and Cave L’Estabel, a cooperative of 20 local families (named “Winemakers of the Year 2023” by Le Guide Hachette) who have been farming the vineyards for generations.

Much to the puzzlement of local geologists, the area’s ancient, mineral-rich metamorphic rocks lie on top of much younger sediments. Meaning, the geology Cave L’Estabel works with is basically upside down. Combine that with the region’s five sloping ridges (which form a star shape), and you have strange yet ideal conditions for making fine wine. Or, as Master of Wine Jancis Robinson remarked, “the answer must lie in the soil.”

While the cooperative has operated largely in obscurity, it’s next-door neighbor, Clos du Temple, has turned quite a few heads since setting up shop. Gérard Bertrand’s iconic estate, its flagship wine won Best Rosé in the World in 2020 (The Drinks Business) and holds the title of the world’s most expensive pink, at $170+ a bottle. But we think L’Estabel Grande Cuvée Comtesse is just as good as Clos du Temple...if not better.

A classic blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, plus white Clairette for added lusciousness, it’s crisp and elegant, with delectable notes of ripe citrus, raspberry, white peach and tropical fruit. Enjoy it as a well-chilled aperitif or pair with summer salads, fresh seafood, lighter barbecue dishes and more.

There’s only a tiny allocation of L’Estabel heading to the U.S., so hurry to secure your share now.