Langlois Chateau Cremant de Loire Rosé NV

This is quite a serious French sparkling rosé from the Loire that represents excellent value for money. Langlois-Château is part of the Bollinger stable so that's nothing less than you'd expect. It's made from 100% Cabernet Franc, which is normally reserved for still reds from the Loire, and whilst it's crisp and delicate it also has a real depth and character with plenty of raspberry, blackcurrant and vanilla flavours shining through and a very well structured palate that leads to the long lingering finish.

It's a perfect aperitif, naturally, but with food it's good to drink alongside seafood and shellfish in particular.

Langlois-Chateau was founded in 1912 by Edouard Langlois and his wife Jeanne Chateau and, from the outset, specialized in sparkling wines. They suffered a major setback in 1915 when Edouard Langlois was killed during the First World War. However, the business was carried on by his widow and continued to thrive. In 1973 they were acquired by the Champagne house Bollinger and with the financial investment that came with it were able to expand both their cellars and vineyard holdings in Saumur, Saumur-Champigny and Sancerre. In 2007 their winery at Saint-Hilare-Saint-Florent in Saumur was significantly expanded and now handles their entire production and distribution operations. These days in addition to their renowned Loire Valley sparkling wines their growing range of still wines is also starting to make waves.