For me, the style of wine that symbolizes vacations has always been Provence rose. Every time that I taste and smell one, there is that je ne sais quoi feeling that transport me to a sunny beach setting. The eternal sun, seagulls, farniente and the warm company of my loved one are some of the symbols that can be abstracted from a glass of Provence rose.
Where do this powerful imagery comes from?. First, it has to be with the soothing effects of its colour. There are six colours of Provence AOC rose wines: Peach, Melon, Pomelo, Mandarin and Redcurrant. It is believed that these colours promote tranquility and peace. Then there is the aroma of the wine: Lavender, jasmine and other herbal scents enhance mood and promote calmness. Aromatherapy has been shown to carry many benefits in terms of wellness and stress relief. This is what vacations is all about: good times, no stress, good weather and feeling merry.
No wonder the French love their Provence rose!!!. According to Vins de Provence, The French consumer market for rose is estimated at 36 million people. In fact , 9 out of 10 French wine drinker states that they enjoy rose. The rest of the world is catching on as well about their goodness as well In the last 15 years, the exports of rose have increased by a whopping 500%. The Americans love the style buying up 43% of the quantity exported. In Canada, the trend for rose consumption has seen a considerable progression as well of 85% increase in the last 5 years.
Provence roses also embodies the idea of freedom and are quite versatile with any type of meal: from light to elaborate gastronomic cuisine. To help you discover the style, I have selected six roses for your discovery available at your nearest SAQ outlet. The first five were part of a press tasting ( A3 Quebec) and the last one was tasted at the importer office.
I hope you enjoy the wines and for more information do not hesitate to visit: https://www.vinsdeprovence.com/en
Tasting notes:
Vieux Château d’Astros 2018 – SAQ # 10790843 $18.35
Very pleasant bouquet. Exuberant with field berries and floral undertones complemented by a hint of citrus. Medium body, nice acidity with a ravishing finale
Mirabeau Rose Classique 2018 – SAQ # 13206121 $19.95
On the nose, cream soda, watermelon with strawberry coulis and vanilla bean. Dry and crisp with a verbena finale. Bright finale with a long finale reminiscent of cantaloupe.
Gassier Esprit Gassier 2018 – SAQ # 13204782 $19.95
Dry earth, spices with the finest dried petal flowers. Balanced and refined with heady herbal nuances. Long finale.
Miraval C̫tes de Provence 2017 РSAQ # 12296988 $22.20
Superb rose. Quite floral maraschino cherry and green mint nuances. On the palate, sublime and balanced with a chiseled minerality and garrique finale.
Ch̢teau La Lieue Coteaux Varois en Provence 2018 РSAQ # 11687021 $18.35
Quite the perfume in this wine. Menthol, cantaloupe, honey melon, complemented by a hint of peach and cranberry fruit. Nicely balanced and subdued with a chic violet finale
Château Pas du Cerf Le Merle rose Côtes de Provence 2018.
SAQ # 13448621 $19.95 ( Available from July 2019)
Lovely marine nuances reminiscent of seaweed, beautiful red berries such as goji fruit and green tea. Attractive on the palate with amazing floral and earthy nuances. Very long finale. What a lovely rose.
Marco Giovanetti – info@mtltimes.ca
