Who makes it?

Chateau Vaudois is one of Provence’s family winemaking estates.  Chateau Vaudois overlooks the Mediterranean and sits on the hills of Maures. It was planted in 2000 so it is still hitting its stride and Vieilles Vignes (‘Old Vines’) appears on the label for this wine.

They also produce wines under the Vin de Pays des Maures appellation. It is the position on the hills that allows the cooling Mistral to roll over the vineyards to not only lower the incidence of disease, but to allow the grapes to take their time to ripen and develop character.

How do they make it?

The Cuvee Marie is a pink blend of 90% Grenache with 10% Syrah. It was cool fermented in stainless steel to maintain fruit and then transferred to acacia barrels for 8 months with lees stirring to add complexity and mouthfeel.

What does it taste like?

This is a pale pink colour with a rather spicy savoury pastry note supporting cherry and raspberry fruit. It is a dry rosé. While that time in oak hints subtley at toasted cinnamon crepes, the fruit it still fresh. That oak and lees stirring gives the wine a silky texture. The flavours last a long lingering moment in the moment. 

What to drink it with?

A complex rosé such as this will be delightful with many dishes, but certainly with the classic match of Salade Nicoise, or any salad be it with chicken, fish, grilled scallops and fresh cheese, or haloumi.  Also with savoury crepes, onion tarte tatin or pear & brie tarts.  

Cheese?

Bloomy cheeses, brie & camembert or fresh cheeses such as chevre & feta.

Quickie review « When barrel matured rosé is done well, it can be rather good. And this one delivers a very more-ish combination of fruit & spice. »

Country of Origin: Côtes de Provence AOC, France
Tasting Date: March 2022
Price:   €29
Drink: now – 3+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you’d like to see more Provencal rosé, why not check out:
Your summer is coming up rosé .. from the South of France!

Visit Chateau Vaudois for more.