How the hell do you describe a wine made of 45% Caladoc, 37% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 4% Rolle, 3% Carignan, 6% Clairette/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Colombard? It’s like a Master Sommelier exam in a glass! No wonder they resort to vacuously florid wine prose in the decriptive material, right? 

“WTF is Caladoc?” you may be asking yourself. Even I, a long-suffering penitent at the educational altar of the Court of Master Sommeliers had to look it up! It turns out to be a variety that isn’t even permitted to be used in any INAO appellation in France yet, although in 2017 the authorities approved it “for experimentation.” Thanks guys. And this is the variety making up almost half of this wine. But as mentioned above, it’s $14 and tastes pretty good. But can you pick out the Comombard? How about the Rolle? Would you miss them if they weren’t there?

Probably not. Lot going on here, with red fruits, raspberries and pomegranate, underpinned by a delicate hint of peppery spice on the nose. More red fruit with white cherry and pomegranate on the palate, leading to a fine citrus fresh finish. Clean, refreshing, and did I mention it’s only $14? Sure, it’s about twice what a bottle of Barefoot Rosé will set you back, but it’s more than twice as good, and don’t you deserve better?