Wines Touraine-Noble-Joué Rousseau Frères - Côté Dorée - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The 2022 Cuvée Côté Dorée from Rousseau Frères is a dry rosé from the Touraine-Noble-Joué appellation in the heart of the Loire Valley. This wine, produced on the picturesque estate of Rousseau Frères, stands out for its delicate blend, typically incorporating Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir—grape varieties well suited to the area’s cool climate. The 2022 vintage benefits from a balanced growing season, allowing for the preservation of fresh acidity and the development of elegant fruit notes. Vinification here is traditionally gentle, often in stainless steel to emphasise the purity and aromatic brightness that characterise these rosés; this results in a pale, onion-skin hue and a lively expression on the palate.

Touraine-Noble-Joué is a niche and historical appellation in the Loire Valley, nestled between the Cher and the Loire rivers. The terroir is defined by its tuffeau limestone soils and a temperate climate, with the rivers providing both moderating influences and mist that protect the vineyards and enhance complexity. This area has a rich viticultural tradition, with rosés from Noble-Joué historically celebrated for their finesse. Today, the region is enjoying a renaissance, with producers like Rousseau Frères reviving the signature “vin gris” style—delicate, subtle, and unmistakably elegant.

For food pairings, this rosé is remarkably versatile. Its freshness and discreet aromatic profile make it a superb match for local Loire specialities such as rillettes de Tours or a simple chèvre crottin, as well as seafood dishes like poached salmon or river fish quenelles. It also pairs beautifully with summer salads, grilled vegetables, or even Asian-inspired cuisine, where its subtle fruit complements light spices.

For optimal appreciation, serve this wine nicely chilled but not too cold, ideally at 8-10°C. This temperature allows its refined aromas and delicate texture to shine, revealing notes of wild strawberries, white flowers, and a gentle mineral undertone, making it perfect for both aperitif and food pairing occasions.