So French, so chic, so pink: Three rosé wines from Provence
Rosé is on a roll today. Just look at the number of rosés in your local bottle-shop fridge. Just about every Australian winery is making one and the number of French imports – especially those from Provence – has gone through the roof. The Provencal style is much-emulated now, because it's the most popular globally and sales are booming. The wines are typified by pale colour, the shade of salmon flesh, and a delicate palate with little or no sweetness, and dry, savoury flavour. They are produced mainly from grenache, cinsault and mourvedre grapes. They're moreish, appetising, refreshing and easy to drink, and go well with a wide variety of foods.
Domaine La Sangliere Cotes de Provence Rosé 2016
Medium salmon pink with an orange tinge; the bouquet is attractively developed, mellow and mature, without primary fruit. It's all about earthy, dried-leaf, autumnal nuances. The palate is light, dry and very savoury, intense and beautifully balanced with softness and a clean, dry, lasting finish. Synthetic Nomacorc; 12.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best within a year or two.
Price $40
Score 92
Stockists include Wine Haven, Sydney, 02 9975 3799; United Cellars, Melbourne, 1300 226 835.
Maison de Grand Esprit L'Etre Magique Cotes de Provence Rosé 2016
Produced for Australia's Treasury Wine Estates, this has a bright, youthful, light salmon-pink hue, a bouquet of spices and dried-herbs, fresh for its age thanks perhaps to its screw-cap. The palate is light and intense, deep and dry, savoury and long-lasting. A very good food wine. Screw-cap; 13 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best within two years.
Price $20-$27
Score 90
Stockists include Dan Murphy's stores.
Aix Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé 2016, Provence
The colour is youthful salmon pink-purple, the aroma sweetly spicy, with raspberry and background dried-herb nuances. The palate is soft and fruity, flavoursome and charming, with a faint flick of sweetness in harmony with the wine. It finishes clean and dry, with richness and length. An impressive rosé that is drinking at its best now. Screw-cap; 13 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best within a year or two.
Price $35
Score 93
Stockists include Camperdown Cellars, Sydney; McCoppin's (Vic).
