2021 Domaine Figueirasse Gris de Gris Vin des Sables

Camargue, France

For more than a century, the Saumade family has tended vines on the sandy shores of the Camargue delta in the south of France. The sea is but 200 yards from the edge of the vineyards. The influence of the moist, sea-salty air helps keep vines healthy, which is why organic viticulture here is as natural as the tides and the call of seabirds overhead. The wine’s pale salmon hue reminds of a sunset off the Mediterranean coast. Aromas are delicately floral; flavors suggest summer raspberries, grapefruit zest, candied ginger.

Estate vineyards are located near the Camargue delta along the southern French coast, not far from Montpellier. Soils are exclusively sand, well-draining and nutrient-poor, but provide ideal terroir for southern grape varieties. The coastal humidity keeps vines from suffering hydric stress; the salt air keeps vine disease at bay. Barley and rye are planted between rows during the winter months to prevent wind erosion; in the spring, the crop is tilled under as a natural fertilizer. All vineyards are certified organic.

Grapes are harvested overnight when temperatures are coolest, and are immediately pressed gently and then fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats on indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged also in tank, and bottled in early winter to preserve the vintage’s fresh fruit.

Gris de Gris des Sables is a particular style of rosé wine made especially in the Camargue, this one blends Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc, with a dash of Cinsault.