Beaujolais Rosé 'Ousia' 2022, Clos Bateau

Do not be fooled by its soft color: 'Ousia' 2022 by Clos Bateau is far from an ordinary rosé. This expressive blend of Gamay and Chardonnay delivers a striking synthesis of crisp acidity, juicy fruit, and spicy tension. Crafted in the Beaujolais by the creative minds behind Clos Bateau, this natural wine possesses remarkable depth, texture, and grip.

On the nose, the wine opens with vibrant notes of wild strawberry, pink grapefruit, white peach, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is surprisingly multi-layered and structured: candied peach, ripe raspberry, and a subtle touch of vanilla harmonze with a refined mineral bite. Thanks to a short maceration of whole-cluster Chardonnay, the wine offers more body, phenolic grip, and energy than a conventional rosé, calling to mind the mouthfeel of a dry, gastronomic Alsatian Pinot Gris.

Key Highlights

• Exclusivity: Highly limited micro-cuvée with a total production of just 1,450 bottles.
• Terroir: Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in the Beaujolais planted on granite and clay-rich soils.
• Grape Blend: Gamay & Chardonnay (13% ABV).
• Winemaking & Ageing: Direct pressing of Gamay and Chardonnay combined with a brief whole-cluster Chardonnay maceration. Spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts, bottled unfiltered following natural wine principles with minimal intervention.
• Tasting Profile: Expressive, juicy, and structured. Notes of wild strawberry, pink grapefruit, candied peach, soft herbs, and a subtle phenolic grip on the finish.
• Ageing Potential: Bursting with fruit, energy, and freshness now, with the balance to maintain its vitality over 2 to 3 years.

Food Pairing

• Salads & Light Dishes: Outstanding alongside a classic Salade Niçoise with fresh tuna, or creamy burrata with ripe tomatoes and summer peaches.
• Seafood & Asian Fusion: Excellent with salmon sashimi, sushi, grilled prawns with chili and lime, or lightly spiced Asian fusion dishes.
• Desserts & Creative: A wonderful match for grilled peaches with fresh thyme and ricotta.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled between 10°C and 12°C in generous white wine glasses to highlight its multi-layered structure.

The Terroir of Clos Bateau

Situated in the rolling hills of the Beaujolais, the vineyards of Clos Bateau benefit from optimal sun exposure and diverse soil profiles. The interplay between granitic subsoils and clay topsoils allows both Gamay and Chardonnay grapes to achieve rich aromatic maturity while preserving crisp acidity and distinct minerality.

About Clos Bateau

Clos Bateau is an innovative micro-estate in the Beaujolais led by a passionate team of young winemakers. Guided by low-intervention philosophy, organic farming, and a spirit of creative expression, they produce unadulterated natural wines. With 'Ousia', their focus centers on combining freshness, phenolic grip, and fruit purity — playfully conceived, yet crafted with serious winemaking skill.