Rosé wine from Provence
Rosé wine from Provence.
Have you wondered why consumers around the USA always gravitate to rosé wine from Provence?
In “the Hamptons”–a wealthy summer community five hours from Manhattan, the residents call rosé wine from Provence “summer water.”
Perhaps the reason stems because rosé wine from Provence is crisp, like a glass of cold water. And by tradition, rosé wine from Provence is usually served in the spring and summer months.
Then again, rosé wine from Provence is typically an affordable wine. It pairs with many of the most popular spring and summer styles of cuisine, like salads and lighter fare.
Rosé wine from Provence from the MDCV Group
Rosé wine from Provence was the topic of the webinar today with Alexis Cornu, Enologist (Wines and Cellar Master) for the MDCV Group.
This group represents three luxurious and historic rosĂ© wine producing properties in Provence. They include Château de Berne in Flayosc (near St. Tropez), Ultimate Provence in La Garde-Freinet, Château des Bertrands and Château Saint-Roux, both near Le Cannet-des-Maures. Â
Mr. Cornu has given each of his rosé wine from Provence brands a distinct personality because of the grapes used, the intended market for the wines, and also the beautiful bottle shape of each brand.
According to Mr. Cornu, Provence is one of the most exciting winemaking regions in the world today. More than ever before, winemakers are discovering the unique terroir of rosé wine from Provence.
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The first rosé wine to be discussed is called “Romance” from Château de Berne.
It is a distinctive wine because of its pale salmon color, and also because of its closure: a bottle stopper.
They have also designed the white stripes on the neck of the bottle to reinforce the beautiful perfume of the wine, as it takes its design from the perfume industry.
The grapes used to make “Romance” are grenache noir, syrah, and a small amount of merlot for fruitiness. Limestone soil in the vineyard gives the wine refreshing acidity.
Rosé wine from Provence: Château de Berne “Inspiration.”
The second wine from Château de Berne is called “Inspiration.” It falls under the classification of Cotes de Provence.
The square shape of the Inspiration bottle reinforces the unique square shaped tower of the ancient Château de Berne castle tower. This is unusual for France, as the square tower shape is associated with Tuscany in Italy.
The Inspiration bottle has a traditional cork. The grapes are a majority of grenache noir (roughly 60% though this changes with the vintage) and about 20% each syrah and cinsault.
This rosé wine is also a light salmon color, very refreshing but with more depth. This is consistent with pairing with the delicious cuisine one can find in Château de Berne’s Michelin-rated restaurant and hospitality center.
This Provence rosé can stand up to tuna tartare. A lobster salad would also be delicious pairing.
Rosé wine from Provence: Ultimate Provence 2020
The last wine tasted is the Ultimate Provence 2020. The gorgeous glass bottle is redolent of Lalique. The blend here is roughly a third each of grenache noir, cinsault, and syrah (depending on the vintage), with about ten percent of rolle (vermentino) for freshness.
This is a gastronomic wine with more intense flavors suitable to pair with stronger flavored dishes.
Château de Berne Estate
Provence Today
Winemaker Cornu enthusiastically spoke about the history and the future of rosé wine from Provence. He also revealed some of the new trends in the region, such as the growing popularity of rosé wine based cocktails.
In the presentation, one could view pictures of the Château de Berne estate and gorgeous vineyards. The castle and its vineyards have stood here for centuries.
Yet in recent years the Relais & Chateaux luxury brand have modernized the Château de Berne castle and turned parts of it into a 5-star luxury resort. This includes dazzling swimming pools, a fitness center /spa, and gorgeous rooms.
And of course, the Michelin-rated restaurant for wine and gastronomic food experiences.
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The Bottle Experience
Though the presentation focused on winemaking and viticulture, one couldn’t help notice the beautifully designed bottles and unique closures.
This, according to Mr. Cornu, is part of the rosé wine from Provence experience.
The wines all offer outstanding quality for the price. The wine also tastes as good as the bottles look. According to Mr. Cornu, in France people have taken to keeping the bottles after consuming the wine.
Two of their more popular uses include putting it on the table as a carafe for water, and as vase for flowers.
Going Organic
In his presentation, Mr. Cornu also discussed the measures the MDCV Group are taking to convert all their vineyards to organic farming.
In the words of Mr. Cornu, “Making wine from organic vineyards is the best way to taste the typicity of a place.”
I look forward to having this taste of summer from rosé wine from Provence soon.
To understand more about wine tasting, check out these sommelier resources.
