Nestled just south of Tours, the Touraine Noble Joué appellation quietly revives a tradition born in the Middle Ages. Once cherished by local nobility, its barely-blushed wines—known as “rosé gris”—were nearly lost to history until their renaissance in the late 20th century.
The secret to this subtle pink hue lies in a trio of siblings: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. Carefully blended, they produce a wine that dances between white and rosé, with whispers of red fruit and a breath of spring florals. Served slightly chilled, it seduces more than it boasts.
Much like a line from Rabelais—himself a native son of Touraine—there’s more here than meets the eye. The terroir, sheltered by the Loire and the Cher, lends finesse to the glass, making this “rosé gris appellation near Tours” a charming detour for the curious palate.
