2013 Château du Rouet, Rose, Esterelle, Cotes de Provence, France.
A warm summer day, an outside bistro table and a nice book, and a few hours to enjoy a fresh meal, people watch and dream of being in the south of France, along with of course, a chilled crisp pink wine, yes that is a perfect lazy Sunday. That was the set up for this little classic Provencal Rose, and this Chateau du Rouet was just what the doctor and the hot weather ordered, it is zappy and tangy, but with enough body to keep things interesting and while not the best Rose of the season, it is a very pleasing wine. The 2013 Chateau du Rouet Esterelle Rose is made up of 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the Carignan is fermented with carbonic maceration to give fruitiness, while the Grenache and Syrah are traditionally fermented in concrete vats and the wine is raised in a combination of concrete tank and old neutral casks, the resulting wine is round and has a fair amount of body. The nose is bright with hints of citrus, leading to a soft palate of strawberry, tart cherry, plum and rose water with watermelon and toffee notes. This pink is refreshing and easy, even if it lacks the thrill and minerality of the top pink wines of the region, though it is a solid entry level Rose that has it’s own charm and very enjoyable, plus the price is right, drink now!
($14 Est.) 87 Points, grapelive
