MARX-COUTELAS 'Rose'

This is an incredibly intentional, single-vineyard rosé. Bryan pulls grapes from the historical 11th-century plateau site "Les Barils" in the village of Venteuil, executing a precise Chardonnay and Pinot Noir split. To give the wine its deep, salmon-pink identity without drowning out the fresh terroir, he utilizes the blending method. He folds 8% of barrel-aged still red Pinot Noir wine directly into the fermenting juices right at the press house. The bottles rest for several years on the fine lees before being finished as a bone-dry, highly energetic Extra Brut with a low 4 g/L dosage.

Why we love it: It successfully pairs the bright, citrusy lift of chalky Chardonnay with a serious, red-fruit vinous muscle. The nose leaps open with high-contrast aromas, giving you fresh field strawberries, ripe blood orange, and tart pomegranate.

The vibe: Dinner with friends on the patio with grilled pork chops.