Rose, 2021. Eclat de Soleil

The name translates to "the glowing sun," an apt moniker as it hails from one of the sunniest appellations in France, the Languedoc. While most people identify Malbec with Argentina, few realize that its place of birth is the Cahors very close to Bordeaux, which also uses the grape.

It wasn't long ago that the Languedoc had no respect. Most of the wines were inexpensive and inexpressive. Yet, many growers knew that their places were better than the wines and set out to prove it. One of those areas is the Pays d'Oc, from which our selection hails.

It took commitment from many wine entities, like the importing company, Marchetti, to turn the area completely around and begin to make outstanding wine. The area had a 1,000 year history of wine production, but it has only been in the last 20 years that Languedoc is getting the recognition it deserves. Malbec is a dark-skinned grape which needs more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to mature. It ripens mid-season and can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends. The wines, like this one, are rich, dark and juicy.

Few have experimented with a rose from Malbec and after tasting this beauty, we wonder why. Its iridescent color belies the bold flavors to follow. A lovely floral aroma is followed by ripe berries and with a touch of cotton candy. Here is a perfect foil for spaghetti with clams or seared ahi.

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