She has that pale complexion that befits the rosy glow of sunny days. It’s the kind of wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif before dining out with no fuss, accompanied by grilled fish or shellfish. But La Minuette from Domaine Gayda in Brugairolles (11), hides its game well. Because it’s much more complex than it seems

“Beyond its color, obtained by light pressing, we were inspired by Bandol and its king grape variety, to vinify this cuvée. Mourvèdre accounts for 60% of the blend, alongside Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault,” says Vincent Chansault. The wine maker and co-founder of the domaine in the 2000s, worked this wine like a white, juggling acidity and smoothness from organically grown grapes on the limestone terroir of La Livinière.

From vine to rose

Vegan-friendly, La Minuette is aged on lees and stamped Pays d’Oc IGP. The result is a new bottle: a delicate floral nose, citrus notes, a fresh, mineral palate and a gourmet finish… Jancis Robinson, one of the world’s most influential wine critics, gave it an exceptional score of 17 out of 20.

As for the name, it pays homage to Tim Ford, owner of the estate. Before growing vines, he spent 25 years producing roses in Africa. “La Minuette” was the first variety he planted in Kenya in 1982. Today, roses still play an important role at Domaine Gayda. But at the ends of the vine rows.