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MELBOURNE | The profile of Rosé has increased around the world in recent years. With its gorgeous pink hues and fresh yet dry palate, this often misunderstood style of wine is starting to be appreciated for its complexity and versatility. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif, matched with food, or simply as an accompaniment to a good conversation with friends, Provencal rosé is a great option.
With 2600 years of experience and the ideal terroir, Provence produces 89% of the worlds rosé across three regions – Côtes de Provence (75%), Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence (15%), and Coteaux Varois en Provence (10%). Each of these regions produce wines with distinct flavour profiles. Côtes de Provence’s Mediterranean climate and limestone soil results in rosé with notes of citrus, exotic fruits, vanilla, spices and a more mineral mouth feel. Conversely, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence’s windy, gravelly environment produces complex full bodied rosé with citrus and red fruit notes which are lower in acid. Coteaux Varois en Provence’s altitude and harsh temperatures (very cold in winter/very hot in summer) result in powerful aromatic wines with aromas of red fruit. These vastly different regions mean there really is a rosé for everyone.
After meeting a few of Provence’s wine makers at a recent event in Melbourne, and sampling their delicious wines, we thought we’d let you know about five of our favourites. They’re great wines to enjoy as the weather starts to get warmer, and we can confirm that all of them go great with cheese and charcuterie.
CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS – Whispering Angel
Appellation: Côtes de Provence
Grape Varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle
Tasting Notes: Tangy, citrus/grapefruit notes with river-stone minerality
CHÂTEAU DE BRÉGANÇON – Isaure
Appellation: Côtes de Provence La Londe
Grape Varieties: Grenache, Cinsault
Tasting Notes: Intense nose of grapefruit, peach, pineapple and mango.
CHÂTEAU SAINT JULIEN – Exception de Saint Julien
Appellation: Coteaux Varois en Provence
Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle
Tasting Notes: White fruit, bergamot and fig tree aromas enhanced by a rich volume and a very pleasant spicy tough of white pepper.
CHÂTEAU PARADIS – Terre des Anges
Appellation: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah
Tasting Notes: Blend of citrus and floral aromas with a long mineral and fruity finish.
ESTANDON VIGNERONS – Héritage
Appellation: Côtes de Provence
Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle, Syrah
Tasting Notes: Fresh aromas of peaches and pears. Soft and well balanced on the palate.