Laurent Miquel Vendanges Nocturnes Rose 750ml

The name means "night harvest," and that's precisely the point: picking happens in the middle of the night, when the fruit is cooler and crisper. Laurent Miquel, working family vineyards high in the Languedoc hills, pioneered the practice to bring delicate grapes in under ideal conditions — preserving aromatic lift and natural acidity that daytime heat would otherwise strip. A Cinsault-Syrah blend, pressed and cool-fermented for freshness.

Pale, luminous salmon-pink. Fresh raspberry and wild strawberry lead the nose, edged with red cherry, pink grapefruit and a whisper of white flowers. The palate is dry and crisp, more generous and fruit-filled than pale Provençal styles, with Cinsault supplying delicacy and Syrah a little red-fruited depth and structure. Clean citrus acidity and a faintly saline finish keep it refreshing rather than sweet. Excellent value.

Pairing: aperitif, charcuterie, grilled prawns, salade niçoise, or lightly spiced Asian dishes.