Chateau de Millet Floc de Gascogne Rose

Chateau de Millet Floc de Gascogne Rose is a traditional French mistelle aperitif from Eauze in Gascony, in the heart of the Bas-Armagnac region: red grape juice from Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended with young Bas Armagnac, bottled at 16.5% ABV in a 750mL bottle. Made by the Deche family, who have run Chateau de Millet for five to six generations, this deep pink aperitif artisanal is built for serving well chilled.

• ABV: 16.5%
• Size: 750mL
• Origin: Eauze, Gascony, France
• Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Franc (equal parts red grape juice)
• Style: Mistelle aperitif (red grape juice + young Bas Armagnac), AOP Floc de Gascogne
• Producer: Chateau de Millet (Famille Deche)

The Story

Floc de Gascogne has been made in Gascony since the 16th century: fresh grape must is blended with Armagnac, which halts fermentation before it starts and preserves the grape's natural sweetness. At Chateau de Millet, just outside Eauze, the Deche family farms traditional grape varieties and distills its own Armagnac on site. For this rose bottling (labeled Rouge at the estate), red grape juice from equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc is blended with unaged Bas Armagnac and aged at least nine months before release, as the appellation requires.

Tasting Notes

Deep brick pink in the glass. Sweet red fruit leads, with cherry, raspberry and a touch of prune, lifted by a light floral bouquet and gentle spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The palate is round and rich without excess, finishing with a welcome touch of freshness.

How to Enjoy

Serve well chilled as a pre-dinner aperitif, on its own or over ice. It is a natural partner for foie gras, works in cocktails that call for a fruity fortified wine, and pairs well with strong cheeses and fruit desserts. Once opened, keep the bottle refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Floc de Gascogne pink?

The color comes from the red grapes themselves. Instead of white grape juice, this bottling uses red grape juice from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which gives the finished aperitif its deep brick pink hue and red fruit character.

What is Floc de Gascogne?

Floc de Gascogne is a mistelle, or vin de liqueur, from Gascony in southwest France, made by blending fresh, unfermented grape juice with Armagnac. The spirit stops fermentation, so the drink keeps the natural sweetness and fresh fruit of the grapes at a moderate 16.5% ABV.

How should I serve Chateau de Millet Floc de Gascogne Rose?

Serve it well chilled before a meal, neat or over ice. It also pairs well with foie gras, strong cheeses and fruit desserts, and can add a fruity, fortified note to cocktails.

Who makes this aperitif?

Chateau de Millet in Eauze, Gascony, where the Deche family has farmed and distilled for five to six generations.

Chateau de Millet Floc de Gascogne Rose is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor for $26.99.