Domaine D’Orfeuilles Touraine Brut Rose, Loire Valley NV
I love a handcrafted sparkling rose for $16, it screams weekend picnic. Especially when it kicks you in the face with wild strawberry and dried blueberry. Think brioche buttered with strawberry jam, and a smoky grill in the background. This vineyard is planted on calcareous and silicious soil which persuades the grapes to offer up their crisp, berry freshness of a dazzling mousse. There is a BIG extraction of flavor here. Enjoyment to the max. Usually they blend 40% Cab Franc, 40% Cot (Malbec), and 20% Grolleau Noir. In good years, the nose is reminiscent of Jim Morrison’s leather’s after a show. Eau de Tuffeau!