When French terroirs go rosé
The tradition is now well-established: as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, restaurateurs include rosé in all its forms and origins on their menus. From quality rosé to “swimming pool” rosé, the range is wide and not always very flattering for this production…
Provence, of course, but also Languedoc and Bordeaux are among the most important rosé-producing regions. While for other wine categories, the shape of the bottle is part of the identity and origins, for rosé, fantasy is the order of the day.
We range from classic Bordeaux to bottles that seek to stand out from the crowd, making it difficult for wine merchants to set up their shelves.
The dress is equally diverse. From the palest, almost translucent, to a redcurrant color, the range of rosés is infinite. Grape variety and terroir are among the elements that determine the hue of rosés, but technology now has some responsibility in this area, in line with consumer tastes. Marketing plays a major role in summer rosé sales.
The final factor in the customer’s choice is price. For many people who drink rosé as part of a festive occasion, it shouldn’t cost more than around 15 euros, bearing in mind that excellent products can be found for less than 10 euros. Last but not least, many winegrowers are now producing rosés from organic farming methods.
Here’s a short selection of rosés that will be perfect for end-of-day aperitifs. From the Pays d’Oc, a very pale rosé: Minuette from Domaine la Gayda. An IGP that combines Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault and is vinified without the addition of sulfur. Fresh on the palate with citrus notes, it offers a delicate, subtle floral nose. Retailing at 9.30 euros, it’s perfect with melon salad or grilled red mullet.
We remain in IGP Pays d’Oc with The Green Gang, which stands out for its disruptive name. A blend of Cinsault and Grenache grapes, Green Gang boasts its organic label right down to the label itself, which is made from recycled paper and inked with natural pigments. This rosé is also vegan-certified.
Almost translucent in the glass, it has a highly aromatic, flowery nose. Very fresh on the palate, with citrus and peach aromas. Perfect for an aperitif with friends, Green Gang goes perfectly with small grilled fish such as sardines or grilled octopus. As for the price of 7.20 euros, it’s quite reasonable.
In AOP Languedoc, Mas de Carrat’s Roche Longue 2019 rosé is 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Very classic with a Burgundy bottle, it has a light scallop coral color and a nose of stone fruit with a dominant of ripe apricot.
On the palate, it develops a beautiful fullness where the red peach is present. A refined, elegant rosé that goes well with fine rock fish or lobster salad. It is available for 15 euros.
From the Bordeaux region, here’s a friendly wine that’s perfect for aperitifs on the beach. A blended wine from different winegrower partners of the Philippe de Rothschild Group. This Mouton Cadet Les Parcelles is a playful wine with a deep color, redcurrant on the palate and citrus aromas. With barbecued grilled meats or a strawberry salad, this is a fresh rosé at 11.85 euros.
With Côtes de Provence, we’re almost back to the great classics of rosé. A region that has built its reputation on these summer wines. From the Sainte Roseline estate, we have selected the Roseline Prestige. A masterly production for this blended wine, presented in an elegant bottle.
A wine made from the harvests of different growers A limpid color, a fruity and fresh citrus mouth, a lively and elegant wine. Ideal for poolside aperitifs with friends. At 12.90 euros, it’s reasonable value for money.
Joël Chassaing-Cuvillier
