SI MPLY FRENC H LIVING
ENCORE PROVENCE
PAM GAGIANO TAKES US ON A ROSÉ TOUR this area from maritime influences and gives it a continental climate with mild autumns and springs and sometimes cold, harsh winters and sweltering summers. The terrain is limestone and calcareous clay from east to west. The Grenache grape, which originates from Spain has a high yield and is resistant to prevailing weather conditions. This varietal brings a robost body to the wines and gives hints of berries and spice. Syrah is delicate but with a fairly tough skin, small grapes and brings deep colour and hints of berries, vanilla and tobacco. Mourvèdre is a slow ripening varietal which produces vigorous wines with delicate tannins and hints of blackberry, with notes of spice, pepper and cinnamon after a period of lying down in the cellar. Cinsault has a great flavour and it features prominently in rose. It’s delicate, fresh and fruity and blends well with the above varietals.
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his month we continue to explore some of the rose wines from Coteaux Varois en Provence. This AOC was established in 1993 and 90 per cent of wine produced in this area is rosé. There are 77 private wineries and 10 cooperatives, which cover an area of 49,670 acres. The varietals grown are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsaut. The mountains of Sainte-Baume to the west, the Bassilons in the north and Barres de Cuers in the south naturally protect
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One of the most popular rosé wines from Coteaux Varois is surely the Estandon Saint-Louis de Provence Rosé, which has an alcohol content of 12,5% with an average price of €9 - €10 per bottle. It’s a lovely light, easy drinking wine from Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault grapes, pale in colour, crisp and dry with hints of strawberry and pairs very well with tomato based dishes and seafood. It’s a good wine to keep on ice for any occasion. A more expensive offering comes from the Domaine de Cala and their Coteaux Varois en Provence Prestige Rosé. Again crisp and dry, 12,5% alcohol, blended with the Southern Rhône Red Blend varietals, which are usually Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre with the former two grapes being dominant. Colour is salmon pink and leans toward soft strawberry, cherry and grapefruit fruits with mineral and herbal characteristics. Pairs well with fish, salads and green vegetable dishes.
