The featured rosé regions and appellations
- Provence
- Cotes de Provence
- Var IGP
- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
- Loire Valley
- Val de Loire IGP
Provence
Provence is a journey in harmony with the four elements. It is a land of many treasures that experiences over 2700 hours of intense sunshine. The Mistral winds can impart force and freshness, the proximity to the Mediterranean imparts coolness and intensity. With all that marvellous sunshine and diversity of climates how could one resist a glass of Provencal rosé? So much of the focus in the wine world today has switched to the glorious rosés that this hallowed and historic region can offer and rightly so. With thousands of years of history to boast about and phenomenal terroir it’s not surprising that Provencal rosés are taking the world by storm.
Coteaux Aix-en-Provence
This appellation surrounds the town of Aix-en-Provence and is located in the region’s most western part of the region’s limestone soils. It possesses over 4000 hectares of vineland. The terroir is renowned for its remarkably elegant rosés. They are known for their intensity and fruitiness but also freshness and minerality. The Appellation was awarded AOP status by the INAO in December of 1985 and now counts itself as one of France’s highest quality appellations for the production of rosé wines.
Cotes de Provence
The appellation spans more than 20,000 hectares and three departments including the Var. It became a recognised appellation in 1977. 92% of its production is rosé. The terroir of the Côtes de Provence appellation is as beautiful for its vines as it is at their roots.The entire northern and Western zones of Côtes de Provence are made up of alternating hills and limestone ridges sculpted by erosion. The main rosé grape varieties are the following:
Cinsault - a flavoursome and attractive grape, it adds freshness and delicate fruity touches to the wine
Grenache - originally from Spain this grape brings fatness, body and power to the wine
Mourvèdre - this grape is slow to ripen and has a really thick skin. It gives robustness and tannin to a wine. In its youth, it gives lovely blackcurrant flavours and with maturity or bottle age it becomes spicy and richer dried fruits. It’s often blended with Grenache and Syrah.
Syrah - this is a meatier grape that adds more flavour, rich cherries and gives texture to a rosé.
Tibouren - an authentic Provencal grape. It produces delicate, elegant wines. It is perfect for rosé as it offers finesse and rich fruity aromas.
Var IGP
The Var department is at the heart of Provence wine production. The wines of Var benefit from 3 registered designations of origin, one of which includes AOC Cotes de Provence but also IGP Var. It has only been recognised since 2009 and although it may be the new kid on the block, thanks to the influence of the powerful Mistral wind the wines are full of character with an abundance of bright acidity and fruitiness. The main grapes used for production are Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Tibouren, Syrah, and Carignan. The rosé from here is best consumed on release. They pair perfectly with fish, grilled meats or quite simply as an aperitif.
Val de Loire
The majority of Mourat’s wines are grown, cultivated, and produced in the appellation Fiefs Vendéens AOC. It is located in the southwestern tip of the Loire Valley and the vineyards are influenced by sea breezes giving it a maritime climate. It is a real figure of originality. A work of art just like their range of wines! There may not be your typical slate buildings, ancient cave cellars or castles dotted around this region but there is an expanse of beautiful coastal vineyards. The region is 40% rosé wines from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Négrette grapes.
The Featured wines and their story:
M de Minuty - Cotes de Provence
Since opening in July 2022 this wine has been Cavavin Ireland’s #1 bestselling wine. So how could it not be featured this year?! It is so reliably fresh and appealing and really is Pure Pleasure in your glass! It is a “must-have" this summer or for any occasion. This is Pure Provence, Pure Pleasure concentrated in a Pure Provence bottle (a unique style created in the 60’s by Minuty). This rosé is refreshingly zesty, light & vibrant, and layered with fresh berries, orange peel and exotic fruits thanks to its masterful blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Tibouren. Chill to 8-10 degrees, serve over ice if you wish, sip, and enjoy with friends and some olives, nibbles like crackers and dips or whatever you choose.
Domaine la Gayolle Les Platanes - Var IGP
This was one of my favourites from a tasting with Cavavin in Bordeaux last year and has been added to the collection again this year. Not your typical blend of Provence rosé grapes but that’s why I like it. Domaine la Gayolle is in the heart of what’s called Provence Verte (the green heart of Provence) and it is a winery that is moving forward with these “greener times” for sure. This rosé is a direct press so is a delicate light pink, fresh berries on the palate and a refreshing zingy grapefruit and sherbet to finish. A vibrant rosé to just sip as an aperitif or with any summer BBQ.”
Chateau Beaulieu Cuvée Alexandre - Coteaux Aix-en-Provence
Beaulieu is a family-owned Provencal treasure. The vines are grown in unique volcanic soil hence the wines have infinite freshness. The vineyard is historic inside the region’s only volcano. The main rosé grapes are Grenache, Syrah, Rolle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Mourvedre. This Cuvée was named after the son of Pierre Guenant, the owner of Chateau Beaulieu. The wine shows masculinity, power and intensity, the fruit is all 100% estate grown and is fresh and lively from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet. This wine is new to the rosé collection this year and is very deserving of its feature and I urge you all to taste and discover it, even just for the cool bottle alone.
J. Mourat Collection Rosé de Loire - Val de Loire
There is a collection of red, white and rosé and they are made in a contemporary style. This is the newest and final wine of the dynamic contemporary trio of exquisite wines. They focus on authenticity and ingenuity of exceptional grape varietal blends. This is a pleasure rosé from a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay that is full to the brim of summer fruits, gives a long-lasting dry but fruity finish and is so deliciously moreish. A wine to while away the summer with and is a true companion to your wine glass!