Emilie Penaranda of Chateau de Saint-Martin ·
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.
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 by the bottle. Only 10,000 bottles are available in the US. Visit chateaudesaintmartin.com.
The 2013 Rosée D’Aurore from Domaine de la Fouquette is a blend of 65 percent Grenache, 30 percent Cinsault and 5 percent 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 by the bottle suggested retail price. Visit domainedelafouquette.com.
Maitres Vignerons de Saint Tropez is a large volume producer and you may easily find the 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 by the bottle suggested retail price. Visit vignerons-saint-tropez.com.
Chateau de L’Escarelle is another large volume producer, and iPINK is the aperitif-style Rosé blended from 50 percent Cinsault and 50 percent 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. Visit escarelle.fr.
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 percent Grenache, 20 percent Syrah and 20 percent 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 to $20 per bottle. Visit aixrose.com.
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