Barton & Guestier 'Les Jardins de la Reine' Rosé d'Anjou 2017
Rosé; specifically a medium-dry (off-dry) style traditional to the Anjou region. · Barton & Guestier (B&G). Established in 1725, it is the oldest wine house in Bordeaux. While they are a large-scale merchant (négociant) owned by Castel Frères, they maintain a strong reputation for consistency and providing a classic introduction to French regional styles.
Vintage: 2017. A challenging but quality vintage in the Loire; spring frosts reduced yields significantly, but a warm summer led to concentrated fruit. For a rosé of this style, 2017 was a balanced year.
Type
Rosé; specifically a medium-dry (off-dry) style traditional to the Anjou region.
Producer
Barton & Guestier (B&G). Established in 1725, it is the oldest wine house in Bordeaux. While they are a large-scale merchant (négociant) owned by Castel Frères, they maintain a strong reputation for consistency and providing a classic introduction to French regional styles.
Country
France. As an 'Old World' titan, France's wine laws (AOC) emphasize terroir. The Loire Valley is known as the 'Garden of France,' producing elegant, high-acid wines across a vast range of styles.
Vintage
2017. A challenging but quality vintage in the Loire; spring frosts reduced yields significantly, but a warm summer led to concentrated fruit. For a rosé of this style, 2017 was a balanced year.
Region & Appellation
Val de Loire (Loire Valley), Rosé d'Anjou AOC. This is a historic appellation known specifically for its off-dry rosé wines produced in the Anjou district.
Grape Varieties
Grolleau and Gamay. Grolleau provides the classic low-alcohol, high-acid base with strawberry notes, while Gamay adds roundness, red cherry fruit, and floral aromatics.
Color & Appearance
Bright, shimmering salmon pink with coral highlights. It shows medium intensity and clear, watery rims, suggesting a fresh and youthful profile.
Aroma Profile
Intense primary aromas of wild strawberry, red currant, and raspberry sorbet. Secondary notes include hints of white blossoms and a touch of boiled sweets (confectionary).
Tasting Notes
The palate is soft and welcoming with an initial burst of sweet red berries. This sweetness is quickly countered by a refreshing zip of acidity that cleanses the palate, leading to a smooth, fruit-forward finish of moderate length.
Flavor Profile
Prominent flavors of ripe strawberry, red cherry, and a hint of pomegranate. There is a slight stony minerality on the mid-palate that balances the fruity sweetness.
Body & Texture
Light-to-medium bodied with a supple, slightly creamy mouthfeel due to the residual sugar, yet it remains fluid and easy-drinking.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity that is bright and juicy. Tannins are negligible/absent, as is typical for a direct-press or short-maceration pink wine.
Sweetness Level
Off-dry (Medium-Dry). It typically contains between 7 and 15 g/L of residual sugar, providing a noticeable but balanced sweetness.
Alcohol Content
10.5% - 11.5% ABV. This lower alcohol level makes it highly approachable and reinforces its style as an aperitif-friendly wine.
Aging & Oak
No oak influence. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the delicate fruit esters and aromatic freshness. Bottled early to maintain vibrancy.
Food Pairings
Ideal for spicy Asian cuisines (Thai or Vietnamese), summer salads with melon and prosciutto, fruit-based desserts, or mild creamy cheeses like Brie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C (46-50°F) in a medium-sized white wine glass. No decanting required. This wine is intended for immediate consumption.
Price Range
$10 - $15 USD. It represents excellent value for an authentic AOC French rosé.
Quality Assessment
86-88 points. This is a high-quality 'everyday' wine that perfectly represents the typicity of its appellation. It is consistent and technically well-made.
Production Methods
Produced using the 'saignée' method or short skin contact to achieve the pink hue, followed by cool fermentation. Fermentation is stopped early to retain natural residual sugar.
Terroir
The soils of Anjou are a mix of schist and limestone (tuffeau). The maritime influence from the Atlantic provides a temperate climate that allows for slow ripening and acid retention.
History & Heritage
B&G was founded by Irishman Thomas Barton. The 'Les Jardins de la Reine' (The Queen's Gardens) line pays homage to the French royalty who famously resided in the Loire Valley châteaux.
Interesting Facts
Rosé d'Anjou was once the most popular French rosé in the world before the rise of the bone-dry Provence style. It remains a favorite for those who find Provence rosés too austere.
Cellaring Potential
Low. This wine is at its peak within 1-2 years of the vintage. The 2017 vintage should be consumed now; it will lose its vibrant fruit and acidity if aged further.
Similar Wines
Cabernet d'Anjou (slightly sweeter), Gallo Family White Zinfandel (more commercial/sweeter), or a Pinot Grigio Rosato from Italy for a drier but similarly light style.