Rosé from Provence is Sunshine in the Glass… All Year Long

You’ve read about it, you’ve poured more than one glass. What am I talking about? Rosé! Although many aren’t a fan of rosé in any iteration (shocking, I know), others are obsessed with its refreshing profile and always have a bottle at the ready. Obviously, if you’re a regular reader of this site, you know that I’m one of rosé’s biggest cheerleaders.

Recently, I was asked to film a segment on Chicago’s WGN Channel 9. The topic was rosé from Provence where lavender and olive fields, fishing harbors, sandy beaches and winter sports are framed by elements of art, history, gastronomy, abundant sunshine and viticulture. Having visited the region in November 2019, I was ready to share my love of Provence with WGN viewers. (Click here for the link to the segment.) In fact, while in the region, I enjoyed a glass or two with lunch, as an aperitif and with light salads and entrees. Vibrant, light and crisp, it’s easy to embrace the Provencal lifestyle any time of the year. In fact, when I there in November, the heavy Mistral of cold and dry winds blowing from the north and non-stop rains began. Time for a glass of rosé!

Provence is the oldest wine region in France – dating back to 2600 years – and by all accounts, the birthplace of rosé in that country. Now, the style represents around 90% of the region’s wine production overall. Main grapes used in the production include Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and the dominant soil types are limestone, granite and schist. The wines are also a reflection of winemakers’ dedication to nature. Provence has a goal to be 60% organic or High Environment Value (HVE) by 2023 and 100% organic or HVE by 2030. In fact, to preserve the biodiversity of its soil, Provence was the first to launch this wine industry project as part of the nationwide “France Relance” recovery plan to transition towards agroecology.

In preparation for the segment, I was sent three wines as samples to taste at home, then share on set. Each was from a different appellation in Provence: Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence and Coteaux d’Aix en Provence.

From Côtes de Provence is Chateau de la Galiniere Domaine de la Rouviere 2021 ($17) of 100% Grenache. Located about an hour’s drive from St. Tropez, the vineyard is planted on clay and limestone soil. An enticing pale pink color with aromas of ripe grapefruit and lime, I found snappy acidity and refreshingly tart flavors of fruit and spice that were structured and complex. Summer salads, burgers from the grill or fresh caught fish broiled to perfection are delicious accompaniments.

Chateau de l’Escarelle “Le Pacha” 2021 ($24) from Coteaux Varois en Provence is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault cultivated in terraced vineyards on limestone soil. The bright salmon-pink color of the wine was delightful and aromas of red fruit, juicy pears and herbs (garrigues) from the scrublands of Provence brought me back to the south of France. On the palate, elegant notes of pear, strawberries and spice were lifted by snappy acidity. Consider fresh appetizers, tomato and mozzarella salads, or goat cheese on a baguette slice as brilliant pairings.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre is Chateau Calissanne 2021 ($60) from Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence. The vineyards, wines, orchards and olive oils on the 1200-hectare estate, of which 110 hectares are under vine, is HVE Level 3 Certified. Boasting a color of pale pink grapefruit, the rosé offered intense notes of citrus and red fruit on the nose and equally powerful notes of mixed fruit on the palate! Any appetizer, seafood (crab cakes or fish with an aioli sauce), or any Plancha cooked vegetable or meat dish are memorable pairings.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more Grape Experiences and a free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” click here.