André Iché was a pioneer in the region and one of the first vignerons to advocate that Minervois become an AOC, which it finally did in 1973. Over the decades Iché accumulated extremely rugged sites-many dating back to Roman times-that he painstakingly converted into extraordinary vineyards that are revered for their impressive consistency and outstanding quality fruit. For decades he was the only independent winemaker in Oupia while his neighbors turned their wines over to the local coop. André Iché's passion for the region is readily apparent in all of the cuvees that he created and today, a few years after his passing, the wines being crafted at the chateau by his wife who survived him and a few assistants contain the same exceptional consistency and beauty as the cuvees he crafted by hand.

This heady rosé is a blend of ancient vines Carignan, Grenache and a tiny bit of Syrah. A deep blush in the glass, the wine resembles watermelon flesh. The nose possesses great aromatics of cherry, peach pit, sweet herbs and a note of strawberry flesh. The palate is dry and muscular with impressive length shouldering succulent notes of cherry and dried orange peel. This gem has great depth on the middle palate and strident acidity that boosts the lingering finish. Ideal with grilled tuna, salmon, chicken payard and smoked duck breast.

—Donald