Travel to France With These Provençal Rosés | Wine Enthusiast
Wine bottle illustration Displaying 0 results for
Suggested Searches
Shop
Articles & Content
Ratings

Travel to France With These Provençal Rosés

The South of France is famous for its rosés. Along the southeast Mediterranean coast, lies the region of Provence, home to some of the country’s oldest vineyards and the celebrated style of dry rosé that’s perfect for the warmer months. And while a select few bottles are fine to hold until chillier weather arrives, most Provençal rosés are made to be enjoyed now.

Pop open a bottle of these rosés and feel like you’re relaxing by the French Riviera.

Château Vignelaure 2017 Rosé (Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence); $24, 93 points. The estate vineyard is on the north slopes of Sainte-Victoire facing the massive Lubéron mountain. This is a wind-sheltered region, reflected in this wine’s ripe fruit balanced with crisp acidity and a mineral texture. It is full in the mouth, rich and with the chance of aging. Drink now, or keep until later in 2018. Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. Editors’ Choice.—Roger Voss

Gassier 2017 Château Gassier Cuvée 946 Rosé (Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire); $50, 93 points. This is a rich, impressive cuvée, named after the cross perched above the vineyards at a height of 3,000 feet. It is packed with ripe strawberry fruits as well as a full and rounded character. The red fruits are balanced by a crisp edge that will allow it to age for several months. Drink this wine now, or wait until late 2018. Wilson Daniels Ltd.—R.V.

Château de l’Escarelle 2017 Les Deux Anges Rosé (Coteaux Varois en Provence); $24, 92 points. The rich style of rosé from this estate has produced an impressive cuvée. It is full, ripe and packed with red fruits. It is also lined with acidity, crisp lemon and grapefruit flavors and a spicy character that adds complexity. This wine would be worth aging and drinking with the Thanksgiving turkey. Ideal Wine and Spirits. Editors’ Choice.—R.V.

Mirabeau 2017 Etoile Rosé (Côtes de Provence); $35, 92 points. Almost entirely Grenache (90%) with a touch of Cinsault, this is Mirabeau’s top cuvée. It has a rich texture, rounded with ripe red fruits and a hint of vanilla. The wine is smooth, generous and will be even better after a few months. Wait until late 2018. Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits.—R.V.

Château de Calavon 2017 Rosé (Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence); $20, 91 points. Always impressive, this wine is full, rich and generous. Its strawberry and summer-fruit-flavors have a touch of pepper as well as full acidity. This concentrated wine is made for food and is ready to drink. Weygandt-Metzler.—R.V.

Commanderie de la Bargemone 2017 Rosé (Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence); $20, 91 points. This ancient estate, founded in the Middle Ages by the Knights Templar, has produced an exemplary rosé. It has lightness and poise as well as great fruitiness, acidity and a crisp, zesty texture. Perfumed and with red-currant and strawberry flavors, the wine is ready to drink. Hand Picked Selections. Editors’ Choice.—R.V.

Domaine de Cala 2017 Trois Points Rouge Rosé (Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence); $25, 91 points. Almost white in color, this rosé tastes anything but pale. It is packed with crisp acidity and a rich underlay of juicy red fruits. The owner, Joachim Splichal, is a chef who has returned to Provence where he originally learned to cook. Drink the wine from later in 2018. Wine Warehouse Imports. Editors’ Choice.—R.V.

Figuière 2017 Première Rosé (Côtes de Provence); $25, 91 points. Produced from organically grown grapes, this wine has a streamlined sense of purity on the palate. Its intense acidity with red-currant fruitiness and its mineral texture add an extra bite, making it a great wine with food. Drink now. Craft + Estate–The Winebow Group. Editors’ Choice.—R.V.

Château Miraval 2017 Rosé (Côtes de Provence); $33, 91 points. Still owned jointly by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, this beautiful estate has produced a rich, full wine. Made for the owners by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in the Rhône Valley, this wine exhibits great sophistication, with rich caramel and strawberry fruit and spice. Drink now. Vineyard Brands.—R.V.

Château d’Esclans 2017 Rock Angel Rosé (Côtes de Provence); $35, 90 points. This is a soft, aromatic and ripe wine. It wears its high alcohol lightly, showing off good acidity as well as rich strawberry flavors. An attractive touch of spice mingles with the final crisp acidity. Drink now. Shaw-Ross International Importers.—R.V.