2025 Fontsainte - Gris de Gris Corbieres Rose (750ml)

Domaine de Fontsainte traces its roots to Roman times, when an officer first established vines around a thermal spring on the property, later named for the local patron saint, Saint Siméon, giving the domaine its name. The Laboucarié family has farmed the land since the seventeenth century, and the modern winery was formally founded in 1971, becoming a pioneer within the Corbières appellation. Bruno Laboucarié has run the estate since 2000, continuing his father's legacy of careful innovation while preserving centuries of winemaking tradition on this historic site.

The vineyards sit within Corbières's celebrated Golden Crescent, on gently sloping, south-southeast facing land sheltered from cold winds by a large pinewood massif near the hamlet of Boutenac. Gris de Gris is built primarily from Grenache Gris, rounded out with small portions of Carignan and Mourvèdre, all hand harvested and kept whole in the tradition of a rosé bled directly from the vat. After a day of natural settling, the juice ferments slowly at a controlled temperature for over a month, with malolactic fermentation avoided entirely to preserve the wine's natural freshness and aromatic lift.

The glass shows a pale, crystalline salmon hue with glimmers of amethyst, opening to cool citrus, wild strawberry, and orange blossom. The palate is bright and lively, with a delicate mineral tingle and a mouthwatering saline note carrying through the finish. Its crisp, refreshing character makes it a natural aperitif, and it pairs beautifully with grilled fish, tapenade toast, or a simple niçoise salad.