Domaine de Fontsainte
by Anthony Lynch
2025 Languedoc Rosé “Gris de Gris”
France | Languedoc-Roussillon
After Beaujolais Nouveau, Fontsainte’s Gris de Gris rosé is the first wine of each new vintage to arrive in the shop. Even after so many years, the anticipation is just as high to uncork that first bottle, and the inaugural sip never disappoints. The 2025 edition is as irresistible as ever, bursting with cool citrus and wild strawberry over a delicate tingle of acidity and mouthwatering salty note. Does rosé get any better than this? I lean toward no, but will require several more bottles to reach a proper conclusion.
2022 Corbières Rouge “Réserve La Demoiselle”
France | Languedoc-Roussillon
Carignan is to the Languedoc what Syrah is to the northern Rhône or Mourvèdre to Provence: a grape variety deeply intertwined with the region’s history and identity, and a vehicle for translating its diverse terroirs in a deep, dark, and soulful package. What makes the Languedoc unique is that top bottlings, such as this one, can still be found at what would be entry-level prices in other regions. The Demoiselle parcel at Domaine de Fontsainte highlights Carignan planted in 1904—a historical landmark made up of thick, gnarled stumps deeply rooted in dusty soils. These vines have been soaking up Mediterranean sunshine for the past century and a quarter, and they give it all back in each bold, toothsome, rosemary-scented sip.