This month, as we reach peak rosé season, we are offering not two, but three great shades of pink. Each selection hails from Southern France, though none are grown or produced in Provence, the Mediterranean region that is almost synonymous with French rosé. Instead, two are from the southern end of Rhone, just north of Provence. The other comes from Languedoc-Roussillon, another coastal region, to the southeast of Provence, which is actually responsible for producing more rosé than any other place on earth. All are excellent, affordable alternatives to their more pedigreed (and pricier) neighbor, and designed to be enjoyed in good weather and great company.
Think Pink!
Carrie Upson
General Manager
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Region/Country of Origin: Costières de Nìmes, Rhone, France |
About the Winery: Château de Valcombe, a 10-generation family-owned winery since 1740, is the southernmost estate in the Costières de Nìmes, between Provence and Languedoc. Close to the Mediterranean Sea and planted on soils boasting the highest concentration of limestone in the region, Valcombe offers refined, concentrated wines with exuberant freshness and minerality. In 1791 the estate received official recognition from the revolutionary army for the quality of wines sent to the frontlines; wines from the domain were featured at the 1855 and 1873 World’s Fairs. Following the Second World War, the estate was inherited by Charles Ricome, who replanted most of the vineyards and was the first to plant Syrah in the appellation. Today, his grandsons Basile and Nicolas are in charge, and the vineyards planted in 1955 are still in cultivation. All of the estates’ vineyards are currently being converted to organic viticulture, and 25 acres are currently certified organic. About the Winemaking: The wine is harvested mechanically. Bunches are directly sent to the pneumatic press for drainage only. No pressed juice in the blend. During fermentation, drainage juice gets isolated for 24 hours at 12°c before racking; thin lees are kept in with the juice when the fermentation process starts. Juice gets fermented at 13°c to 15°c for 14 to 18 days. Aged 3 months in cement tanks. 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier. Tasting Notes: Pale pink, very light blue glints. Very floral on the nose. Light & fresh red berry flavors. Red berry characters are complemented with a touch of exotic fruits and a hint of apricot and honey and soft acidity. |
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Winemaker: Basil and Nicolas Ricombe |
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$13 bottle/ $140.40 case |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Beef & Parmesan carpaccio Grilled chorizo Mussels |
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Region/Country of Origin: Gard, Rhone, France |
About the Winery: Located twenty kilometers northwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the dramatic shadow of the limestone Dent de Signac escarpment, Château Signac is the only estate in the sleepy village of Chusclan that bottles its own wine. The property was founded around the 10th century by Benedictine monks; more recently, Swiss agronomist and proprietor Jean-Marc Amez-Droz purchased it in 1989, and Chilean winemaker Eduardo Pincheira manages the day-to-day operations. The estate is surrounded by thousands of hectares of protected national forest (the wild boars sometimes eat the grapes), and the farming is entirely sustainable and mostly organic. About the Winemaking: The grapes are grown on gravelly soils and sandy clay soils. They are harvested by hand and are subject to a double selection in the vineyard and in the cellar and 100% de-stemmed. The juice comes from direct pressing with a little bleeding rosé. Finally, fermentation at low temperature is carried out in thermo-regulated vats. 50 % Grenache 45 % Syrah 5% Roussanne Blanche Tasting Notes: On the nose, Cuvée Or evokes aromas of red berries, with notes of garrigue and sweet spices. In the mouth it has round, lively, generous notes of watermelon and herb. |
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Winemaker: Eduardo Pincheira |
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$15 bottle/ $162 case. |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Thai Shrimp and Papaya Salad Ceviche Farfalle Pasta with Peas and Feta
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Region/Country of Origin: Mont Baudile, Pays D'Hérault, Languedoc, France |
About the Winery: La Domitienne is the name of the ancient Roman road that once traveled through the Gaulle region of Narbonne connecting Italy to Spain. The wine reflects the whole spirit of the road as an ancient modern way of communication from the old-ancient vine growing areas to new modern winemaking techniques. About the Winemaking: Harvest in September, followed by 20 days fermentation in controlled temperature tanks with indigenous yeast at very low doses of SO2. Aged in cement and stainless steel to preserve the freshness and clean character of the wine. Bottled in mid-January. Composed of 85 % Mourvedre, 15 % Grenache Tasting Notes: Bright, lively and a little funky, with aromas of raspberries, redcurrants, and white flowers. A generous citrus palate with a lush and lingering finish. |
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Winemaker: Blended by Jeff Welburn and JeanMarc Descabannes (Importer) |
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$14 bottle /$ 151.2 case |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Roasted Vegetables Chickpea Salad Fresh Cheeses |
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