After decades of working with Philippe Bernède of Clos La Coutale in Cahors to import one of our perennial best values, we have finally received a rosé from this Renaissance Man: inventor of corkscrews, flyer of planes, and producer of delicious wine. All these years, he has sent us his inky, spicy, earthy red Cahors—often referred to as a “black wine” because of its deep color—which is made of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. Why hasn’t he produced a pink wine until now?
     The short answer is that Philippe is a perfectionist, unwilling to join the rosé rush as soon as possible just to make a quick euro. If he was going to release a rosé at all, it had to meet his high standards first. “I’ve tried to do it several times,” Philippe says, “and I have drawn good lessons from trying with different methods. It is a vinification that is very technical and very interesting, one which demands a lot of supervision.” He seems to have found the right technique at last. Using Malbec from his latest-ripening vines, Philippe employs a brief skin maceration with aging on fine lees to achieve his desired roundness for the wine as well as its soaring aromas and long finish.
     What is the result of Philippe’s experimentation? With its gorgeous strawberry hue, Clos La Coutale’s Malbec-based rosé is an immensely impressive first bottling that deserves a place on your table. It evokes bright and juicy red berries, a touch of spice, and the faintest hint of mouthwatering salinity, making for an extroverted, medium-bodied, and flat-out delicious pink wine.