90Points

“The 12% alcohol NV Volage Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut Sauvage is a pale pink colored single-vineyard sparkling wine that is entirely based on low-yielding (40 hectoliters per hectare) Cabernet Franc vines averaging 25 years old, planted on sandy silt and loam soils in St Lambert du Lattay in the Layon Valley south of Angers. The new release (L18171PA, disgorged in June 2018) opens with a Champagne-like, brioche-scented and slightly spicy bouquet of delicate strawberry, lime zest, underwood and floral aromas intermingled with fine yeasty notes from three years of bottle aging. The palate is simply delicious in its lush and round but delicate and filigreed, fascinatingly complex and elegant character. Dosed with three grams as Brut Sauvage, this is a persistent, well-structured rosé to be served as an aperitif and/or with dishes such as tuna tartar, shrimp, any fish but also chicken and even salads. The finish leaves a beautiful yeastiness and oxidative kiss. Beautiful! Tasted in May 2019.”