Bordeaux Clairet '24

Clairet is Bordeaux's original style — a deeply coloured rosé made with a longer skin maceration than a standard rosé but shorter than a red, producing a wine that sits beautifully between the two: more colour, more texture, and more structure than a pale Provence rosé, but with the freshness and drinkability that makes it perfect for the table. It's the style that gave claret its name, and Château Penin's version is one of the finest expressions of it you'll find.

The '24 is made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown on the estate's clay-limestone soils in the Entre-Deux-Mers. Expect crushed wildflowers, raspberry blossom, and ripe red fruit on the nose, with a delicate, silky texture and barely-there tannins from the skin contact that give it just enough grip to pair beautifully with food. Serve it slightly chilled with charcuterie, grilled chicken, salmon, or a soft-ripened cheese — it's one of the most versatile bottles on the shelf.