Les Aromes d'Herbauges Val de Loire Grolleau Gris Rose, France 2024

In the Loire Valley’s ‘magic triangle,’ between the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire estuary and Lake Grandlieu, Domaine des Herbauges has gained a reputation for its crisp and compelling Muscadet production. But the 1864 winery yields some fantastic under-the-radar finds, too. Exhibit A: Les Arômes an incredibly unique, incredibly fresh low-alcohol white with enticing floral aromas and fresh stone fruit flavors.

The wine is the handiwork of Jerome Choblet, the fourth generation of his family to run the estate, who took the reins in 1998. He uses a rare grape called Grolleau Gris, a relative of red Grolleau that’s grown almost exclusively in the Loire area. It has distinct pink-tinted skins (just like Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio) that allow for the production of white, rosé and sparkling wines that all have the potential to wow.

Perhaps because so little of the grape is grown, it’s used primarily alongside other varieties in blends. But Jerome wanted to see what else it could do…

To make this expression, he presses the grapes immediately after they reach the cellar, then ferments the juice at a very low, easy-to-control temperature. Along the way, he introduces small, controlled amounts of oxygen to the wine to help soften the palate, integrate its flavors and enhance its aromas. He then ages the stuff for about a year, stirring things up regularly.

By the time it reaches your glass, you can look forward to an ultra-vibrant palate dominated by peach, apricot and citrus-kissed pear flavors, with attractive pepper accents and soft spice notes throughout a lengthy finish. And the best part? It has just 8.5% ABV—perfect for brunch or lunchtime sipping.