Côté Mas, Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut Wine Review

We received the product for review and all opinions are our own.

2018 is officially here, and I would not even attempt to estimate how much sparkling wine was consumed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. My guess would be a butt load! Is that even an official measurement? After all, bubbles are the core of celebration when it comes to wines embraced for their festive personality. Sometimes I do feel bad for sparkling wine because it is often pinned only as a celebratory wine, not something to enjoy on a daily basis. I beg to differ though. Bubbles are definitely festive, but they are also delicious and versatile. This means they are absolutely awesome alone, and with a wide variety of foods, especially savory bites.

Did you know you can achieve more complex and powerful aromatic and flavor profiles by drinking your bubbles in a bigger glass than the traditional flute? Yep! As the ongoing debate continues regarding the “proper” glass for sparkling wine, I enjoy them in traditional white wine glasses. Flutes are pretty. They concentrate the bubbles, and the wine looks amazing as it fizzes straight up the glass. But, with a finely crafted sparkler that is complex and layered, a larger vessel is key. I often say “don’t strangle your bubbles in a tiny glass.”\

Up for review is a bubbly rosé from France. More specifically, a Crémant from the south of France, arguably the birthplace of sparkling wine historically, not Champagne. Of course, that is another debatable subject amongst the lovers of French wine! This bottle was crafted in Limoux (Languedoc- Roussillon), which is a region located in the foothills of the Pyrenean Mountains. The cooler high elevation makes for a lovely place to grow grapes destined for high acidity sparklers.

We popped the cork on this baby on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year as we watched the craziness on TV. Upon opening, the wine pours into the glass a salmon pink. The bubbles are plentiful, and the aromatic profile is complex and beautiful. Delicate notes of strawberry, watermelon candy, and floral notes bounce around in the glass. On the palate, the flavors match the aromas. The mouthfeel is delicate, yet dense. This wine is balanced and very refreshing. The bright acidity and bubbles give life to your tongue, and the fizz cleanses the palate with each sip. The finish is short, but delightful.

Specifications:

• Côté Mas, Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut NV St. Hilaire
• Appellation: Languedoc, AOP Crémant de Limoux
• Terroir: Clay and limestone soils, at 820-920 feet elevation
• Grape varieties: 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir
• Clarity/brightness: Clear/bright, with no evidence of flaws or sediment
• Tannins: N/A
• Acidity: High
• Alcohol: Low
• Finish: Short
• Alcohol by volume: 12%
• Retail Price: $15.99

This is not a crazy high end Crémant, but an affordable offering that shows very high quality standards. I can highly recommend this to anyone seeking a quality sparkling rosé at an everyday price. This bottle pairs perfectly with happy moods, celebration, and most any food you can throw at it. Are you looking for that perfect wine partner for your bacon cheeseburger? Look no further, this wine has your name all over it.

Sip, savor, and enjoy, my fellow aficionados.