Ah! Those memories of setting in an Aix-en-Provence cafe sipping a glass of rosé wine. Yes, I realized that I was at the perfect location to order rosé wines. How could I not order a rosé? After all rosé wines have had a long history in France. Throughout France there are a number of wine regions that produce rosé wines. Moreover, here I was in the best known rosé winemaking region, Provence. Provence is in fact the oldest winemaking region in France. The first wines made in this region were rosé wines. Provence's rosé wines are not only well known but also they are oh so good!
Provence Rosé Sampler
I have done my research and sampled wines from the above appellations. For now nevertheless, here are a few random samplings:
Scene One
Aix-en-Provence sidewalk dining while drinking a glass of rosé.
The wine was as Chateau Paradis Rosé, AOC Coteaux D'Aix En Provence 2013, a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre. This wine definitely hits the spot. Chateau Paradis also produces another rosé wine, Terre de Anges Rosé.
Scene Two
Then there was an occasion for Marius Peyol Rosé 2013.
Scene Three
It is hard to not enjoy a Chateau Calissanne Rosé.
Scene Four: Chateau de Beaupré
Other than sampling wines over lunch or dinner I did a winery visit to Chateau de Beaupré near Aix. While at Chateau de Beaupré, Saint Cannat I tasted their rosé wine series for vintage 2013.
Let's Talk Rosé
Regrettably in the North American rosé wines once suffered a poor reputation. This was primarily due to poor quality wines marketed as rosé wines. Stacy Slinkard notes earlier the wine market was flooded with White Zin look alikes. In recent years however, if you have tasted rosé wines chances are that you have discovered some amazing rosés.
Yes, there has been a renaissance in rosé wines, with sales increasing each year. While rosé wines have always been popular in France the demand for rosé wines in France have also increased in recent years. Some of the reasons for the increasing popularity of rosé wines are the improvement in the overall (1) quality and (2) diversity of rosé wines available.
Now is the time to checkout Provence's 2015 vintage because it looks good. Summer is in the air and our thoughts are quickly shifting to some of our favorite wines. I know some may associate rosé wines with summer. No longer is rosé wine only popular in the summer time. Rosé wines are now becoming popular any time of the year. Any time is perfect timing to check out Provence's rosé wines, which are oh so good. I invite you to check out my travels in France and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
 |
| Provence Wines, Brasserie Les 2 Garçons © Spaswinefood |
Setting at Brasserie Les 2 Garçons drinking a rosé wine, is the perfect way to begin an afternoon. Brasserie Les 2 Garçons has a long tradition, dating back to 1792; so one can easily imagine that rosé wines have been drank here for a long time. Provence does produce white and red wines as well however, for me it is "the perfect place for a rosé". Provence Rosé wine appellations labels to watch for include Cote de Provence, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence.
Provence Rosé Sampler
I have done my research and sampled wines from the above appellations. For now nevertheless, here are a few random samplings:
Scene One
Aix-en-Provence sidewalk dining while drinking a glass of rosé.
 |
| Sidewalk Dining with Provence Rosé Wines © Spaswinefood |
Scene Two
Then there was an occasion for Marius Peyol Rosé 2013.
 |
| Marius Peyol, Rosé AOP Cotes de Provence 2013 © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Marius Peyol Rosé 2013 (Backlabel) © Spaswinefood |
It is hard to not enjoy a Chateau Calissanne Rosé.
 |
| Chateau Calissanne, Rosé AOP Coteaux D'Aix En Provence 2013 © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Calissanne, Rosé 2013 (Backlabel) © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Glass of Chateau Calissanne Rosé 2013 © Spaswinefood |
Scene Four: Chateau de Beaupré
Other than sampling wines over lunch or dinner I did a winery visit to Chateau de Beaupré near Aix. While at Chateau de Beaupré, Saint Cannat I tasted their rosé wine series for vintage 2013.
 |
| Chateau de Beaupré Rosé 2013 Wines © Spaswinefood |
Let's Talk Rosé
Given the amazing diversity and the high quality of wines it was so much fun to explore Provence's Rosé wines. Most rosé wines are still however some are being produced in semi-sparkling and sparkling styles. While dry rosé is quite popular in recent years you will find rosé wines with a wide range of sweetness levels. Provence is well known for their dry rosé.
There has been much discussion on the color of rosé wines. Rosé wines get their color from the grape skins (see Wine Folly). The color of rosé wine depends on both the grape varieties and wine making techniques used (skin contact, saignée and blending).
Lower in alcohol rosé wines are commonly served as an apéritif however, the French have often claimed that it goes well with any food. Still others feel rosé pairs best with seafood, pork and garlic rich foods.
There has been much discussion on the color of rosé wines. Rosé wines get their color from the grape skins (see Wine Folly). The color of rosé wine depends on both the grape varieties and wine making techniques used (skin contact, saignée and blending).
Lower in alcohol rosé wines are commonly served as an apéritif however, the French have often claimed that it goes well with any food. Still others feel rosé pairs best with seafood, pork and garlic rich foods.
 |
Rosé Time © Spaswinefood
|
Regrettably in the North American rosé wines once suffered a poor reputation. This was primarily due to poor quality wines marketed as rosé wines. Stacy Slinkard notes earlier the wine market was flooded with White Zin look alikes. In recent years however, if you have tasted rosé wines chances are that you have discovered some amazing rosés.
Yes, there has been a renaissance in rosé wines, with sales increasing each year. While rosé wines have always been popular in France the demand for rosé wines in France have also increased in recent years. Some of the reasons for the increasing popularity of rosé wines are the improvement in the overall (1) quality and (2) diversity of rosé wines available.
Now is the time to checkout Provence's 2015 vintage because it looks good. Summer is in the air and our thoughts are quickly shifting to some of our favorite wines. I know some may associate rosé wines with summer. No longer is rosé wine only popular in the summer time. Rosé wines are now becoming popular any time of the year. Any time is perfect timing to check out Provence's rosé wines, which are oh so good. I invite you to check out my travels in France and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Summer/Fall 2014
Aix-en-Provence, France
No comments:
Post a Comment