Domaine de la Sanglière la Riviera Côtes De Provence Rosé 2015
Fragrant, very ripe cantaloupe flesh and some of the skin as well, co-mingling with a bit of papaya followed by wafting mineral notes of sea foam and salt. It’s quite lean on the palate, with minimal fruit—I’d like to see a bit more fullness, more fleshiness, to balance the high-toned acidity in this salmon-hued Côtes […]
Domaine Houchart Rosé Côtes De Provence 2015
The 2015 Domaine Houchart Rosé exhibits sweetness at the core verging on Watermelon Jolly Rancher, along with fresh, poppy notes of white peach and apricot. The wine label notes that the a blanket of CO<sub>2 </sub>is applied to the grapes during harvest in order to preserve freshness. I’d say they’ve achieved that goal<sub>, </sub>this is […]
Domaine Sainte Lucie Côtes de Provence MiP Rosé 2015
According to the website, MiP Rosé is a blend of 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache. A bit of a mystery—my label is black vs. the winery website, which shows a white label—and the profile is nothing like the typical Provençal blend listed above. If anything, it screams Sauvignon Blanc, with aromas of guava and […]
Domaine de l’Amaurigue Fleur de l’Amaurigue Côtes de Provence Rosé 2014
My first Provençal rosé of the season, garnering 4 stars because of its excellent price point (under $10), the 2015 Fleur de L’Amaurigue Côtes de Provence is light and lively. Robed in a delicate salmon pink, perfumy aromas of cantaloupe, field strawberry, white flowers and a touch of wet stone greet the taster. It’s light […]
Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé 2014
The perfect companion to a classic summer dish—Salade Niçoise. The Terrebrune Bandol Rosé is one of the more winsome, elegant rosés I’ve tasted this year. Primarly composed of Mourvèdre grown in blue Trias limestone soils, it is the minerality that really shines, along with breezy notes of alpine strawberries, raspberries, white peach and Rainier cherries. […]
Saint Aix Coteaux d’ Aix-En-Provence Rosé 2013
I cut my teeth on Provence rosé drinking Saint Aix, and it’s still just as lovely today. Bone dry and refreshing on the palate, with alluring notes of juicy white peach and melon, apricot, and a pinch of turbinado sugar. True to form, it has that sort of wonderful texture that is laden in wet […]
Château D’Esclans Whispering Angel 2014
A classic Provençal rosé, Château D’Esclans Whispering Angel 2014 is, as the name suggests, a convivial and charming romp, with just enough of a mineral and earth underpinning to keep it from floating away. Alpine strawberries and raspberries on the nose, along with line-dried linen and wet river rock. In the mouth, fine-boned delicacy and […]
Routas Côteaux Varois Rosé En Provence 2014
The 2014 Château Routas Côteaux Varois Rosé is a classic blend of 45% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The color of ripe watermelon, this Provençal pink has quite a lot going for it, considering the price. Blood oranges, ripe raspberry, watermelon and rose petals grace the nose. On the palate, it’s soft and supple […]
Château de Berne Côtes De Provence Grande Récolte Rosé 2013
I’m thinking pink this May, though sadly the Château de Berne Grande Récolte Rosé 2013 failed to impress. Opens with notes of canned fruit cocktail, pomelo, and granulated honey. Slightly thin on the palate, slightly metallic, it just peters out like an awkward conversation, which is a pity, considering the nearly $20.00 price point. Not recommended. […]