(TheDrinksBusiness) - Château Brown in Pessac-Léognan has branched out into rosé, releasing its inaugural 2012 vintage in the UK market this month.

Small parcels of the estate’s 29-hectare vineyard were singled out to be hand-harvested specifically for the rosé, a classic Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, grown on deep gravel soils.

Under the guidance of rosé specialist consultant Philippe Dulong, the grapes are gently pressed, left on their lees then aged in French oak for four months in order to give the wine added body and texture.

Château Brown’s owner Jean-Christophe Mau describes the result as a “gourmet” wine with a “fruity expression” ideal for enjoying with food. Just seven barrels were made of the 2012 vintage, meaning less than 2,000 bottles will go on sale.