Folie Douce 2023

Rosé is a technique, not a color. Here, Merlot spends 72 hours on whole berries before press.  The resulting wine is so rich and deeply hued you might say it’s a red. Whatever you want to call it, it is eminently drinkable and perfect for an afternoon barbecue.

Region: Dordogne
Grape(s): Merlot
ABV: 13.5%

About the domaine: Benoit Périssé and Leïla Lare are making some of the most exciting, counter-culture wines in the Dordogne, a satellite zone of Bordeaux two hours east from the Atlantic.

The couple works mainly with Bordelais varietals, but their wines are not like any classic Bordeaux blends you’ve ever had. They also farm some grapes native to the region that have been long forgotten (vinified mostly as sparkling wines).

The cuvées range from free and easy drinking table wines to serious age-worthy Cabernet Franc and an elegant sous-voile Sauvignon Blanc.