Château de Millet Floc de Gascogne Rosé (75cl, 16.5%)

This is a Floc de Gascogne from Château de Millet, a mistelle aperitif made near Eauze in Gascony. Red grape juice from equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc is blended with young, unaged Bas-Armagnac, then aged for at least nine months, as the appellation requires. The Deche family, who have run the estate for five or six generations, distil their own Armagnac on site. The red grapes give it a deep brick-pink colour. Sweet red fruit leads, with cherry, raspberry and a touch of prune, then a light floral note and gentle cinnamon and clove. The palate is round and rich without excess, ending with a touch of freshness. It is best served well chilled, on its own or over ice.