Lelièvre "Gris de Toul" Côtes de Toul Rosé '25

The Lelièvre domaine is located in the village of Lucey, in the Côtes de Toul appellation of Lorraine, a small wine region in northeastern France situated just west of Alsace. The estate was founded in 1971, when Jean Lelièvre began bottling wine from the family’s own vineyards rather than selling the grapes to other producers. Today, the domaine is run by his sons, Vincent and David Lelièvre, who work primarily with Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Auxerrois.

Lorraine remains one of France’s least-known wine regions, with the Côtes de Toul appellation comprising only around 110 hectares of vineyards. Although it did not receive appellation status until 1998, the area has a long history of viticulture dating back to Roman times. Phylloxera, two world wars, and the exclusion of local grapes from Champagne production all contributed to a dramatic decline in vineyard area during the 20th century. Even today, most of the wines are consumed locally and rarely make their way to the United States.

Gris de Toul is the region’s traditional style of pale rosé, and Lelièvre’s 2025 bottling is made from Gamay and Pinot Noir. The grapes are direct pressed, fermented in stainless steel, and aged on the lees for around four months. Bright, dry, and refreshing, it has notes of fresh strawberry, orange, along with the crisp acidity and mineral character that define the wines of the region.

This is a terrific summer rosé for a simple picnic with cheese and charcuterie as the focus.