Cheers to Rosé from Provence (and finding “joie de vivre” with every sip)

More than 65 stellar wines from over 25 winemakers were poured when Provence in the City US Tour treated members of the media and trade to some of the most delicious rosés (whites and reds, too) I’ve tasted.  This city girl (me!) now longs for a stay in Provence, located in the south of France, with its fragrant lavender fields, charming historic villages, cozy cafes, sunny, stylish French Riviera, and unique landscape that continues to inspire artists.

Provence was the birthplace of dry rosé wine with a history that began in the 6^th century BC. Today, it’s the world’s largest wine region specializing in AOP rosé wine. I was surprised to hear that rosé outsells white wine in France, but not at all shocked to learn that sales are booming in the United States (I’m helping that statistic one glass at a time, thank you very much!). Approximately 10% of the word’s wine production is rosé, with France as the leading producer. According to Wines of Provence, a “market study by EOC International found that members of the U.S. wine industry – importers, distributors, retailers, sommeliers, and restaurateurs – perceive French rosé as the highest quality rosé, and rosé from Provence as the gold standard.”

Why Rosé from Provence?

Well, once you taste, you’ll know.  Rosé wines from Provence are dry…a vast difference from the cloyingly sweet “blush” wines that come to mind when offered a glass of something pink.  Produced from Provence varieties, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tibouren, Carignan, and Cabernet, all are crisp and exhilarating.  I appreciated the range of styles I tasted:  many were light, almost airy, while others were full bodied and exuded a distinct palate profile with plenty of backbone and complexity.

That variety in style contributes to the fact that rosé may just be one of the most food friendly wines on the planet.  Paired with international cuisine (Japanese, Thai, Middle Eastern, Meditteranean…), American favorites (burgers, steak, appetizers, salads, sandwiches…), and seafood (grilled fish, crab, lobster…), I’ve always been able to find a rosé that complements any recipe I’ve wanted to try or menu item I’m craving from a favorite restaurant. One enthusiastic winemaker shared, as he was pouring, that “Rose is a feast in the mouth!” and I certainly can’t disagree with that.  You don’t even need food – just pour a glass and start chatting with friends.

Rosé Wines to Love

Following is a list of ten notable wines I tasted at Provence in the City and a slideshow of more favorites. I suggest that you explore rosé wines from Provence and discover what so many people have known all along.

Barton & Guestier Rosé 2015 – From Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, the elegant aromas of wild red berries led to notes of spice, white flowers, and more of those delightful raspberries and strawberries. $12.99

Bernard Magrez L’Exellence des Muraires  Rosé 2015 – The “wow” factor was in each sip of this rose from handpicked grapes of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle grown on 40 year old vines. Not yet available in the United States.

Chateau Carpe Diem Multa Paucis Rosé 2015 – Cinsault and Grenache blended to offer delicate aromas of currant leading to a tart, balanced palate profile with true presence. Cost is around $10.

Chateau Carpe Diem Castille Rosé 2015 – Complex with personality, I loved the minerality on the nose as well as pink flowers and citrus that lingered on the palate of this wine of Grenache and Cinsault. With a spicy finish, all I could think of was a plate of crispy calamari for pairing! Not yet available in the United States.

Chateau du Seuil Rosé 2015 – Yet another beauty, this from a single vineyard, I loved the red berries and white flowers in every sip of this terroir driven wine of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault.  Its refreshing, snappy finish of citrus was lip smacking.  Not yet available in the United States.

Chateau Grand Seuil White 2010 – This white wine of Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache Blanc was quite the surprise. Intense aromas and tastes of spice (and more spice), yellow flowers, and rich citrus, the White was complex and powerful. Not yet available in the United States.

Chateau Sainte Marguerite Symphony Rosé 2014 – A vegan wine of Grenache and Cinsault, notes of passion fruit and white flowers wafted from the glass. On the palate, I found exotic fruits, stone fruit, and oranges. The Symphony was elegant, graceful. Cost is around $25.

Les Vignobles de Berne en Provence Impatience Rosé 2015 – Well balanced, Grenache and Cinsault contributed to the lively notes of fruit and floral on the nose and palate. With its long, satin like finish, this wine could easily be the symbol of summer! Cost is around $19.

Cheers~ Cindy

For detailed information about the Provence Wine Route, its terroir, and more, you’ll want to check out Vins de Provence by clicking the link.  As for me, I’m planning my trip!