A relatively young player in the world of wine, 90+ Cellars was founded in the spring of 2009.
The producers at 90+ Cellars specialize in sourcing juice from some of the most exceptional wineries worldwide, buying up excess juice to produce their own magnificent bottles.
While Sancerre is best known for being the home of amazing world-class Sauvignon Blanc, the region also produces exceptional quality Pinot Noir, as well as rosé produced using Pinot Noir grapes.
Contents
90+ Cellars Lot 196 Sancerre Rosé Review
Rosé wine is produced using red wine grapes. Where some red wines ferment for weeks or more on red grape skins, rosé wines are tinted a lighter shade due to being in skin contact for just a few hours.
This rosé is made from handpicked Pinot Noir grapes, all of which are sourced from vines planted in clay and limestone soils in the small village of Sainte Gemme.
90+ Cellars Lot 196 Sancerre Rosé Summary
- Brand: 90+ Cellars
- Country: France
- Region: Loire Valley (Sancerre)
- Wine Type: Rosé Wine
- Varietal: Pinot Noir
- ABV: 14%
Appearance
The wine is a deep rose-pink color with a bit more robustness than your typical French rosé.
The legs, in particular, have a density to them that more Mediterranean-influenced rosé wines lack.
Smell
There is plenty of red fruit to enjoy here. Fresh strawberries, wild cherries, and a little bit of juicy watermelon all mingle nicely in the glass.
Hints of chalky minerality occasionally break through the dense fruit smells, along with vague hints of fresh herbs.
The fresh aromatics waft gently out of the glass and are vaguely reminiscent of a springtime breeze.
Taste
This is an incredibly drinkable wine. Full-bodied for a rosé, without too much acidity.
There are notes of rose petals, overripe strawberries, juicy watermelon, and a bit of a raspberry flavor on the finish.
Light notes of basil and celery add a nice herbaceous character that lends depth to the wine.
The finish is quite long as well, despite how delicate the flavors of the wine are.
What Does 90+ Cellars Lot 196 Sancerre Rosé Pair With?
This is an incredibly food-friendly wine, as most French rosé selections tend to be. I really enjoy it with creamy cheeses, such as brie, spread on toast, or crackers.
It also does very well with lighter meats, such as grilled chicken breast, sliced turkey, and pork tenderloins made with thyme and basil.
For lighter options, fruit and cheese platters, salads, and shellfish are absolutely fantastic here. In fact, this is a new favorite of mine for shrimp cocktail.
If you want to jazz things up just a bit, try making some feta, spinach, mint, and quinoa tartelettes on a warm spring day. It is an absolute match made in heaven!
What Wines Are Similar TO90+ Cellars Lot 196 Sancerre Rosé?
I would recommend reaching for other rosé wines with Pinot Noir as their base.
Some of my favorites come from California and include Angeline, La Crema, Chalk Hill, and Gloria Ferrer.
These wines, being from a warmer climate with different soil types, sport more intense fruit characteristics, and bigger bodies.
If you would prefer to stick with the French stuff, go for Provence. They tend to be much lighter and easier to drink and are heavily influenced by the Mediterranean climate.
Depending on the wine geek you ask, Provence is arguably the best region in the world for high-quality, classic rosé. Good options here would be Olema, Chateau d’Esclans, and Chateau Minuty.
Final Thoughts
As with all of the offerings I have tried from this producer, this is a great value bottle. It is crisp, clean, and easy to drink. It is sure to be a great crowd-pleaser at your next event!