J. Mourat, “Collection” Fiefs Vendéens Mareuil Rosé 2025

J. Mourat, "Collection" Fiefs Vendéens Mareuil Rosé 2025 This vibrant wine is a classic Fiefs Vendéens blend consisting of Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Négrette—often anchored by a base of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay—showcasing the traditional red varieties of the region. The 2025 vintage in the Loire Valley was characterized by warm, dry conditions and an exceptionally early mid-August harvest, yielding pristine fruit with a superb balance of full physiological maturity and bright tension. Sourced from 15- to 20-year-old vines overlooking the Lay Valley, the wine reflects a unique terroir defined by a volcanic mix of rhyolite, quartz, purple schist, and clay under a strong Atlantic maritime influence. In the glass, the wine displays a brilliant, clear salmon-pink appearance with moderate viscosity, leading into a highly expressive nose of wild strawberry, tart cranberry, crushed red cherry, wet stone, and a distinct chalky salinity. On the palate, this dry, medium-bodied rosé delivers a burst of crisp acidity that perfectly frames core flavors of juicy watermelon, ruby red grapefruit, and blackcurrant leaf. The texture is smooth yet energetic, culminating in a clean, mouthwatering finish that lingers with a touch of crushed minerals. Championing sustainable viticulture, Jérémie Mourat has farmed the estate organically since 2008 while incorporating biodynamic practices, and vinifies the wine with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel before aging it for five months on the fine lees. This vibrant profile makes it a perfect pairing for grilled shrimp skewers marinated in garlic and herbs, where the wine's zippy acidity cuts through the char, or a classic American pulled pork sandwich, as the bright berry notes complement tangy barbecue flavors. It also serves as a fantastic companion to a summery heirloom tomato and burrata salad, highlighting the wine's fresh herbal undertones. While specific critic scores for the newly released 2025 vintage are still pending, previous iterations consistently earn 88-90 point ratings from major publications, cementing its reputation as an outstanding, highly affordable value at around $20 per bottle.