During a recent tasting at our wine cellars I was incredibly impressed by the quality of rosé from Provence. Like the region itself, the wines were chic, charming and elegant.
Made from the grape varieties Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache and small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre, rosé wine accounts for over 75% of all wine produced in Provence. I can’t think of any other wine region in the world where rosé is more prominent.
The wines themselves are virtually always dry, very light in colour and typically have wonderful fruit flavours of peach, pink grapefruit and citrus notes along with floral character and thirst quenching acidity that awakens the palate. They can be enjoyed on their own, as an aperitif or with typical Provencal style cuisine such as baked sea bass with fennel. Always make sure that the rosé is chilled but not over-chilled as this will nullify all the magnificent fruit character of the wine.
One thing I love about wine is how it can transport you to the place in which it was made. This is certainly true of our selection of Provence rosé, evoking images of enjoying food with friends whilst looking out across endless lavender fields with the Mediterranean sun beating down. Mmmm… Time to get a glass I think!
At this point it may be worth mentioning that I tend not to be much of a rosé fan, however the subtlety of flavours, refreshing acidity and versatility for food-matching make these Provence pinks well-suited for red, white and rosé drinkers alike.
Château Saint-Pierre Rosé Cuvée Tradition 2009
Côtes de Provence, France|£8.99…………………….£6.99
This elegant pink beauty offers a powerful nose of white peach with spicy notes, evolving towards candied apricots, guava and exotic fruit. It has great fullness in the mouth, dry, refreshing, with great character and excellent aromatic length typical to this Chateau’s unique terroir. 40% Grenache and 60% Cinsault
Pierres de Moulin Rosé Domaine de la Fouquette 2009
Côtes de Provence, France|£10.99…………………..£8.99
This gorgeous salmon pink rosé entices you with lots of delicate wild strawberry on the nose accompanied by pineapple, guava and grapefruit notes alongside an almost Sauvignon-like greeness. Dry and mineral laden on the palate with a crisp snappy finish and balanced acidity.
Château Miraval ‘Pink Floyd’ Rosé 2009
Côtes de Provence, France|£13.99…………………£10.99
Named after the world renowned band that recorded at Studio Miraval. “The best Provence rosé we’ve ever tasted! Intense fruity, yeasty nose. The palate is full, packed with lively fruit- pear, green apple. Ending with more lip-smacking fruit and clean-cut acidity. A deliciously fresh, appetising rosé. One to relish with salads.” MARY DOWEY, Irish Times.
Tags: Chateau Miraval, Pierres de Moulin, Pink Floyd, provence rose, Saint-pierre rose
