Fiefs Vendéens - Mareuil, Gaia Agiorgitiko 2004 and Domaine Vignelaure, 2004
F Maurat Collection Rosé 2004, VDQS
Fiefs Vendéens - Mareuil, 12%, €11.50 Fiefs Vendéens is a small wine area near the mouth of the Loire. This attractive, light rosé, which comes in a quirky stunted bottle and is a charmingly light pink, has a nose of fruit jelly, is well balanced in the mouth and has a tangy orange-peel flavour on the finish. From: Wicklow Wine Co; Probus Wine, Oughterard and Wine Cluster, Moycullen, Co Galway; Harvest, Lismore, Co Waterford.
Gaia Agiorgitiko 2004 14-18h, 12.5%, €9.74 The novel 14-18h in the name of this deceptively rich Greek wine refers to the number of hours that the skins of the Agiorgitiko grape remained in contact with the juice. A strawberry-burst on the nose, fresh fruit in the mouth and an earthy, moody finish. Interesting and delicious - but hurry, as, sadly, the wine is being phased out, hence the sell-off price. From branches of Oddbins.
Domaine Vignelaure, 2004, Cote de Verdon, 12.5%, €7.29 Irishman David O'Brien makes three rosés at his Provencal estate, including the acclaimed Source de Vignelaure. This humbler offering has notes of soft summer fruit, a rich fleshy texture and a satisfying dry finish, and is great value. From branches of Dunnes Stores.