Bijou announces their latest release, a premium and limited production rosé from Languedoc that will develop and improve with age. Following their success worldwide (Bijou is now present in over 35 countries), Bijouwine have decided to go beyond traditional winemaking techniques with a unique rosé: Éminence de Bijou.
Éminence de Bijou is a serious and complex rosé made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle.
The grapes for this wine are sourced from 2 selected parcels of low-yielding vines located between the River Orb and the Bassin de Thau, only a mere stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast where the cooling maritime influence plays an essential part in the steady ripening of the grapes. The plots are on gentle north-facing slopes and the calcareous clay-limestone soils lend themselves perfectly to this distinctive wine.
We take care in what we do from the earliest stages of production. In December 2019, our growers in the Coteaux de Béziers obtained the highest level of the HEV certification, an outstanding achievement in terms of sustainability. This is a three-tiered system that encourages vineyards to focus on increasing biodiversity and decreasing the negative environmental impact of their phytosanitary state. Fertilizer inputs are managed and water installations are improved.
The grapes are harvested early in the morning to retain freshness and are gently pressed to avoid extracting unripe flavours, however, this is a balancing act as we aim to obtain a certain tannin structure that will be important for the final wine. The grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation and at around 16°C, which is shorter and warmer than for our other production wines. The wine was left on its fine lees for 10 days post-fermentation to enhance the creamy texture. This was increased by bâtonnage from time to time, in order to develop the mouthfeel. The Grenache brings flavours of raspberry and redcurrant accompanied by notes of zesty citrus from the Rolle. The palate develops with emerging notes of vanilla and sweet spice that linger on the finish. Éminence is fresh and structured with a remarkable tension.
Éminence proved its excellence after receiving 90 points and was Highly Recommended by Elizabeth Gabay, Master of Wine. In her extensive rosé guide, which is available at this link, Éminence received a positive review from this worldwide rosé specialist. Her comment reads as follows:
“More grenache-orange in colour, not as pale as we might expect from the incredibly up-to-date packaging – no complaints here! Getting hints of oak on nose. Toffee, caramel, hints of cappuccino. Oaky, nutty, coffee and rich vanilla cacao. Opulent, structural, tannic on the finish, red fruit take over with redcurrants and cranberries, nice phenolic ripeness, some peppiness, a touch of fruit with dried apricot on the finish. Lovely acidity.
Highly Recommended. 90 points.” – Elizabeth Gabay MW
To find out more about our range please get in touch at: international@bijouwine.com
