Henri Milan Brut Nature Rose' 2017

Henri Milan's Brut Nature Rosé is a zero-dosage sparkling wine from the foothills of the Alpilles mountains near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is declassified as Vin de France — a deliberate choice Milan made in 2007 when he withdrew from the Baux-de-Provence AOP to gain freedom over grape varieties and winemaking decisions. The 2017 blend draws on Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on blue marl over limestone, the same geological mosaic that soil microbiologist Claude Bourguignon mapped on the estate in the mid-1990s.

In the cellar, grapes are hand-harvested and undergo whole-bunch maceration for five days in cement tank before pressing. Fermentation proceeds with native yeasts and no temperature control. The wine is bottled without added sulfites, with no fining and no filtration — expect natural sediment and a more saturated color than a typical Provençal rosé. At 11% ABV, it is one of the lightest expressions in the Milan lineup.

The domaine farms organically and applies biodynamic practices, including horse-drawn plowing in select parcels. Vineyards are dry-farmed and permanently covered with vegetation. Between 60,000 and 70,000 bottles are produced annually across all cuvées, with the Brut Nature representing a small allocation each vintage.

This wine carries the label notation "Sans Soufre Ajouté" — no sulfites added — consistent with the zero-sulfur cuvées Milan has produced since 2000. Serve cold and be prepared for living wine character: slight effervescence, possible cloudiness, and red-fruit-driven energy that rewards drinking sooner rather than later.