HUMBLE BEGINNINGS FOR GRAND FRENCH ROSÉ

Wc02May11

LOVELY Rosé with lobster and a black butter sauce.

David Ellis

IT’S been described as “one of the best Rosés in the world,” yet its priced at just $28 a bottle and comes from a chateau in France’s Bordeaux region that began life in the 14th century as a humble inn for passing pilgrims.

Chateau de Sours is now owned by Martin Krajewski, who became financially involved with the company in 1997, loved it so much he joined the board in 2003, and in 2004 gave up his London job in executive search to buy the grand old Chateau – and spend years restoring it to its former glory.

Today the company produces wines under four different brands, with the Chateau de Sours label Rosé one of the most popular, selling in twenty-two countries including Australia.

The latest-release 2010 is predominantly Merlot-based with a touch of Cabernet Franc, resulting in wonderful flavours of red summer-fruits, suggestions of strawberries and cream and a nicely balanced acidity.

TRY this with chargrilled swordfish or Thai fishcakes.

A lovely wine to enjoy with lobster and a black butter sauce made with butter, parsley, capers and a squeeze of lemon.

ONE FOR LUNCH: McWILLIAM’s Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon is a virtual household name when it comes to value and quality, and while its just $17.99 (for the just-released 2010) go a few dollars more and pay $22.99 for the 2005 Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Elizabeth Semillon that’s also now available.

Although still quite youthful and with probably five years or so to develop further complexity, its most enjoyable now with beautiful lemongrass, lime and lemon on the palate, coupled with hints of honey. With those lemongrass flavours it’s a great wine with chargrilled swordfish served with a lemongrass, mint and peanut salsa, and also matches ideally with Thai fishcakes.