We were excited to taste Domaine Brazilier Méthod Trad Brut Rosé for two reasons. First, we were very impressed when we had Domaine Brazilier wines before. Second, it is a super rare find – méthod traditionnelle sparklind wine made from 100% Pineau d’Aunis grapes.
Domaine Brazilier Story
Méthod Trad Brut Rosé comes from Benoît Brazilier, the seventh generation of vintners family. Domaine Brazilier was founded in 1997 when Benoît established himself as an independent winegrower with his father, Jean, who’s now retired. Despite its relatively short history, Brazilier established an outstanding reputation for its wines.
The estate’s vineards are in the heart of the Coteaux du Vendômois appellation of the Loire Valley of France. Domaine Brazilier practices organic and sustainable viticulture.
In the winemaking, Benoît combines both modern techniques and tradition by utilizing above and underground structures and rock cave cellars.
Domaine Brazilier Méthod Trad Brut Rosé
In the Bottle
Méthod Trad Brut Rosé is a non-vintage sparkling wine made following the traditional method (i.e. méthod champenoise).
The most unique feature that makes it an exceptional bottle is the grape it made off – Pineau d’Aunis dark-skinned grape variety native to the Loire.
Its story began in the Loire Valley in the Middle Ages. While it used to be a royal family’s favorite in France and Britain, the variety is increasingly rare today and is limited to a role in the rosés and light reds of the central Loire.
Often, Pineau d’Aunis is treated like a Pinot Noir grape, possibly explaining why it worked so well in this wine.
In the Glass
It would be balanced if we could describe Méthod Trad Brut Rosé in one word, but it wouldn’t do it justice because it’s much more than that.
Tiny bubbles rise up through the strawberry-pink nectar in the glass. The mousse creates a creamy tickling sensation on the palate.
Corail Rosé is filled with the aroma and flavors of ripe red currant, dried apples, cranberries, and white blossoms.
Aftertaste
The aftertaste is surprisingly long with flavors of red apples and nectarine. Circling back to the balance, we must say that Méthod Trad Brut Rosé walks a perfect line between sourness and sweetness.
Our compliments to the winemaker on exercising precision during the dosage process.
The cherry on top, Méthod Trad Brut Rosé, is under $20 and was a slam-dunk on our value wine list.