L'Estabel Grande Cuvée Comtesse 2023

Southern France is home to some of the world’s most elegant rosé wines. L’Estabel Grande Cuvée Comtesse may just be our most exciting find in years...

This lovely dry rosé comes from the Languedoc’s tiny Cabrières region, which has produced fine rosé since 1357. (According to legend, it was also King Louis XIV’s favorite wine region.) Established in 1937, Cave L’Estabel is a cooperative of 20 local families (named “Winemakers of the Year 2023” by Le Guide Hachette) who have been farming the vineyards for generations. Head winemaker and cellar manager Luc Flache is currently on a mission to convert all the vineyards to organic production.

Cave L’Estabel is also the next-door neighbor of Clos du Temple, the iconic estate founded by famed winemaker Gérard Bertrand. Its flagship wine won Best Rosé in the World in 2020 (The Drinks Business). It also holds the title of world’s most expensive pink, at $170+ a bottle. Our local expert thinks L’Estabel Grande Cuvée Comtesse is just as good as Clos du Temple...if not better.

L’Estabel is a classic blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, with a good bit of the legendary white, Clairette, which gives it a lusciousness no other pinks can match. The grapes are sourced from five sloping valley vineyards, which radiate out from the village of Cabrières to form a star shape. Crisp and elegant, it offers delectable notes of ripe citrus, raspberry, white peach and tropical fruit. Enjoy it as a well-chilled aperitif or pair with summer salads, fresh seafood, lighter barbecue dishes and more.

As you sip with good company, share this fascinating fact: this special wine comes from a town whose geology is upside down. Geologists have long studied the ancient, mineral-rich metamorphic rocks that now lie on top of much younger sediments. It’s strange, but they certainly add incredible, unique flavors to the wine.

Only 600 cases of L’Estabel will be imported to the U.S. (compared to 500,000 cases of Whispering Angel). Secure your share now.