Laudun Chusclan L’Enfant Terrible Rosé 2018 Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France 75cl

Maison Sinnae, the cooperative behind the Laudun Chusclan label, brings together around 250 growers across the southern Rhône, farming some 3,000 hectares between the villages of Laudun and Chusclan. L’Enfant Terrible is its cheekier, more modern range, made to show the fresher, more playful side of the region and to give younger growers a platform.

This is a Grenache-led rosé, the classic base for southern Rhône pink wines, drawn from vineyards on the right bank of the river. It is built for immediate, uncomplicated pleasure rather than for the cellar, with the pale coral colour typical of the style. Syrah and other local varieties round out the blend, adding a little lift and red-fruit depth.

The 2018 vintage was warm across the southern Rhône, giving ripe fruit and generous flavour. As a rosé now several years on from release, this is a mature example, so expect a softer, more evolved character than a just-released pink, with the primary fruit beginning to settle.

Aromas lean towards red berries, citrus and a touch of white flowers, with a fresh, lively palate and an easy, dry finish. It is a wine for early, unhurried drinking, and any remaining freshness shows best served well chilled.

This is a bottle for the terrace and the table rather than for contemplation. If you enjoy dry Provence-style pinks, it offers the same easy-going appeal with a touch more southern Rhône warmth. It suits summer lunches, charcuterie and light salads, and makes a friendly, low-fuss aperitif. Chilled well, it is easy company on a warm afternoon.