Provence, France
IGP Méditerranée
Chateau Les Valentines, is located in the Provence region of France, situated a few miles from St. Tropez and the French Riviera. It's a region wildly famous for its stunning pastoral landscapes, glamorous seaside towns and, of course, arguably the best rosés in the world. The Chateau sits inside the Cotes de Provence La Londe AOC, considered the "grand cru" of rosé wine in France, and extends over 50 hectares of vines, pine forests and garrigue scrubland.
The fruit is sourced from 50 year old vines, spread across the IGP Méditerranée, with the famed Mistral winds of the Rhône gushing through the region and emptying out into the Sea. The importance of the Mistral wind can not be understated as it brings much needed cold air to relieve the fruit from the blistering daytime sun and heat. Grenache and Syrah grapes are hand-harvested early to preserve acidity and the rosé is made with the direct press method, ensuring the best aromatics are preserved and a light, pale color. The wines are aged in stainless steel to maintain freshness.
A lively, thirst-quenching rosé that is emblematic of the Provence style. This is full of zesty, zingy grapefruit, honeydew melon, wild raspberry and juicy white peach. On the palate, we revisit the grapefruit (juice and pith) along with slightly dried cranberry, anise/fennel and summer savory. It's light to medium bodied with moderate acidity and a crisp, dry finish.
Serve chilled as an aperitif or alongside grilled octopus, burrata and heirloom tomato, grilled shrimp, roasted peaches, grilled artichokes, Lebanese mezze or grilled red mullet.