Rosé from Provence - After the Local Tasting, I want to Go THERE

To misquote Gertrude Stein, “A Rosé is a Rosé is a Rosé”, except of course when it is a Rosé from Provence in which event it is an exceptionally drinkable and well-priced Rosé.  That was my recent experience tasting Rosés from Provence at a tasting in San Francisco where 21 producers showcased their wines.  Rarely do Provence Rosés exceed 13 percent alcohol, or $25 retail.  Provence is the world’s largest wine region specializing in Rosé wines.

Emilie Perananda of
Chateu de Saint-Martin

The 2013 Grande Reserve Cru Classe Rosé from Chateau de Saint-Martin is produced from a blend of  Grenache, Tibouren, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah.  It’s a bright peach-lychee color and has an intense aroma of dried flowers and fruitiness. The taste is delicate and silky with peach and pomegranate prevailing.  This winery has been in the same family since 1740, and has always been managed by women, with the ownership passing from countess to countess.  12.5 percent alcohol.  Suggested retail price is $22.00 the bottle.  Only 10,000 bottles are available in the US.  www.chateaudesaintmartin.com

Jana Manfredi pours for
Domaine de la Fouquette

The 2013 Rosée D’Aurore from Domaine de la Fouquette is a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 5% Rolle.  The intense citrus aroma of this wine leads to a taste that is fruity and fresh, with notes of honeysuckle to enhance the experience.  This small production vineyard is in the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation.  12 percent alcohol.  $17.99/bottle suggested retail price.   www.domainedelafouquette.com



Liz Comte-Monk for
Maitres Vignerons de Saint Tropez

Maitres Vignerons de Saint Tropez is a large volume producer and you may easily find their 2013 Saint Roch Les Vignes Rosé in the market.  This yummy blend of Grenache and Cinsault has a beautiful salmon-colored hue, and an aroma that is dominated by floral and herbal tones  It is fresh tasting with a grapefruit highlight.  13 percent alcohol.  $15/bottle suggested retail price.   www.vignerons-saint-tropez.com

 

Sophie Estrada of Prospect
pours i Pink

Chateau de L’Escarelle is another large volume producer, and I PINK is their aperitif style Rosé blended from 50 % Cinsault and 50% Grenache grapes.  It is light pink in color, and the aroma of grapefruit leads you to a taste of peach and exotic fruits.  This light and floral wine is 12.5 percent alcohol, and retail price will be around $10.   www.escarelle.fr

Eric Kurver, Owner/Winemaker
at Aix, Saint Aix

AIX Rosé is produced from an old vine 73-hectare vineyard in the appellation Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.  It is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Cinsault and is fresh tasting with bright fruit flavors, floral notes and nice minerality. More than 150,000 bottles are earmarked for the USA, so you might find it easily.  13 percent alcohol, suggested retail price is $18-20 dollars per bottle.   www.aixrose.com

 

 

A FEW STATISTICS ABOUT PROVENCE AND ITS ROSE:

The USa, surpassed only by France, ranks second in the world in Rosé consumption with 13% of total consumption in 2011.  2011 global consumption was 22.4 million hectoliters.  The US market has grown at double-digit rates in each of the last 10 years… and from nov 2012 to nov 2013, exports of Rosé from Provence to the US jumped 40% on both volume and value.  

The most common Rosé grapes in Provence are Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tibouren, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

Appellations in Provence, and their percentage production of Provence Rosé:

Cotes de Provence = 75%
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence = 15%
Coteaux Varois en Provence = 10%

Of all wine produced in Provence, Rosé = 88.5% of total production; reds = 8%, and whites = 3.5%

I loved visiting the websites of the producers, and hope to travel there someday!