From: Provence, France

Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: “The Bastide des Oliviers rosé is gourmet, offering unrestricted aromas of aromas: the first burst of friendly fruit is followed by the freshness of redcurrant, grapefruit and a last spicy accent of ginger and white pepper. Roundness, suppleness and volume complexly build the mouth of this Coteaux-Var both powerful and elegant. A rosé from Provence, cut for gastronomy, to taste with grilled fish, on a salad made with vegetables from Provence or exotic." –Cavavin Le Havre (translated)

Pairing: Drink as an aperitif or pair with poisson en papillote, pasta with olive oil and fresh greens with frites and aioli on the side. Another fun pairing with Provence rosé is with socca (a chickpea pancake) and top with olive tapenade and zatar.

Vintage differences! I think you’ll find this one delightful. It’s classic Provence, but whereas the 2019 was extra dry and with all the chalky lift limestone soils give to wine, the 2020 vintage offers a perfectly plump (but not sweet!) finish, laden with notes of strawberry and guava. Now into the 2021 vintage… which I suppose I need to give some background to this wine. Typically one of our favorites year after year, I usually wait until the fall and winter to begin purchasing this rosé. Why? It’s because this wine is a serious rosé, with structure and length: ie it usually tastes like a wound-up, uptight, wine until it’s had some time in bottle. Then, the lovely pink lets its hair down & shakes it out & it’s fantastic enjoying from there on out.

For some reason, the 2021 vintage (see note below, and literally the first vintage I’ve had in seven years to show like a superstar upon arrival) is shockingly fresh as a daisy, and open for enjoyment now in August!