Provence Style Rosé and Beyond

Provence Style Rosé and Beyond

27th September 2018

About Provence style Rosès

Even with the warmer weather looking to be on its way out, there is no need to let go of that summer taste just yet. We here at Vinvm will certainly still be looking forward to enjoying a glass or two of rose. Whilst Provence is very much 'In' and generally always of very high quality, there are other options at a more budget friendly price available. In the below selection we have picked our top Provence and Provence style Rosès which we hope offers a choice option for everyone, be it a delicious bottle of Secrets des Garrigues at £7.35 or a magnum bottle of Brad and Angelina's old vineyard (vineyard at least still going from strength to strength), Miraval at £41.30.

What makes Provence style Rosé so distinctive? The area of Provence itself and the nearby surrounding wine regions focus predominantly on making a rosé style designed to be drunk not just before, but throughout the meal. The style is lighter, cleaner, with a mineral freshness that means glass after glass can be enjoyed, rather than becoming cloying and overly intense. The location is perhaps most key, benefiting from the Mediterranean maritime climate with lots of sunshine, not too much rain, with warm days and cool evenings prevailing, perfect for making wine! The famous “Mistral” wind keeps the vineyards dry, free of pests and the skies clear.

The hills also have a lot to answer for here, vines love hills! Complex soils, ample uninterrupted sunshine and the aforementioned Mistral winds mean these hillside vineyards thrive, making delicious, flavour filled grapes that are expertly crafted into some of the finest rosé on the planet. If you have visited the Provence region and surrounding areas, you will know that it is not just vines that do well. Everywhere you look, wild, resinous shrubs like rosemary, juniper, thyme and lavender grow. The collective of these wild plants form what is called “Garrigue” when on limestone & clay or "Maquis” when on crystalline schist. These influence the soils, waters and winds, which in part additional character into the wines.

Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2017

Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2017 (Magnum)

Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose 2017

Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose 2017 (Magnum)

Mirabeau Azure Côtes de Provence Rosé 2017

Mirabeau Côtes de Provence Rosé 2017

Chateau Maris Rose de Nymphe 2016

Domaine Lafage Cote Rose Cotes Catalanes 2017

Domaine Lafage Miraflors Cotes du Roussillon Rose 2016

La Croix Belle Caringole Syrah Grenache Rose IGP Cotes de Thongue 2016

Bodega Garzon Estate Pinot Noir Rose 2017