Domaine Guiberteau is easily one of the Loire’s most prestigious addresses, perched on the hill of Brézé in Saumur. In just a few short years, Romain Guiberteau’s star has risen dramatically, and his wines have become fiercely sought-after by collectors, sommeliers, and discerning drinkers.

In spite of the soaring demand for these delicious wines, this year, we’ve received a very nice allocation of Guiberteau’s Saumur Rosé. It’s made from Cabernet Franc from several sites (including the famed Brézé), grown on sandy, silty soils over a limestone bedrock. Sand imparts delicacy to wines, and of course, limestone provides bright, saline minerality. A winning combination for a fresh, gently fruity rosé with more than a hint of savory mineral verve.

Romain’s grandfather founded the domaine in the 1930s; after a stint in law school (and realizing he wasn’t suited for the lawyerly life), Romain returned home to Saumur in the late '90s and began managing his family’s vineyards. He found a mentor in Nady Foucault, of the legendary Clos Rougeard, who helped Romain produce his first 5000 bottles. He quickly sold through that initial batch, and as they say, the rest was history. He converted to organic farming, employs native yeast fermentations, and uses minimal SO2 — just enough to ensure the wines arrive to us safe, sound, and squeaky-clean.

Cabernet Franc, in our opinion, makes some of the very best rosés. It’s fruity, spicy, herbaceous and bright, and it deftly translates terroir. Of course, it helps when the terroir is as impressive as Guiberteau’s (and when the person making the wine has sat at the feet of one of the finest and most celebrated winemakers of the last half century).

Once we’ve sold through this astonishing rosé, that’s it. There won’t be more available until next year. Stock up today:

Guiberteau, Saumur Rosé, 2023 $25.99