I don't want to jinx anything but as I write this, it looks like we’ve avoided the unique month of ‘Junuary’ that often plagues Vancouver. Instead, summer is already in full swing and the empty rosé bottles are piling up. At least at my place.
If you haven't gotten on the pink train yet, don't delay. The selection is currently at its best with wine store shelves simply blossoming with rosé.
The most significant brigade is from Provence. Witha drop dead gorgeous coastline, intoxicatingly scented lavender fields and the hypnotic buzz of cicadas, this impossibly beautiful southern French region has captured the imagination of many. The art of living here is summed up in a glass of rosé: lazy days literally drinking in the sunshine.
A collection of three main appellations, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence and Côtes de Provence, offer subtle differences but a unified style. The wines blend grapes traditional to the area such Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre. These red grapes receive a very short maceration before the juice and skins are separated giving just a kiss of colour. The barely-there, pale pink hue is one of the main signatures of Provence rosé. The other is a reliable dryness.
I find Provence pinkthe easiest style of rosés to drink when the temperatures soar. Theyrefresh on a balmy evening and are equally easygoing at the dinner table (especially al fresco). In situ, the wines are paired with Provence specialties such as pissaladière (caramelized onion tart), ratatouille, tuna niçoise, aïoli, sardines, anchovies and olives. They work just as well with our local cuisine especially favourites like fish tacos, sushi, sashimi, smoked salmon, crab and side-striped shrimp. You can mix and match all of the above with any of the recommendations below.
And, as superficial as it sounds, it’s difficult not to get seduced by the pretty packaging some of these bottles sport.
2014 Domaine Saint Ferreol, ‘les Vaunières’ • Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP, France • $15.69
Lovely rose petal and strawberry blossom waft from the glass with fleshy nectarine and lingering raspberry flavours. Sounds like summer to me.
2014 Château Beaulieu • Coteaux d’Aix en Provence AOP, France • $17.99
A delicately floral nose gives way to notes of cranberry and orange peel. This graceful pink is light on its feet and goes down far too easily.
2014 Château la Tour de l’Evêque, Cuvée Pétale de Rose • Côtes de Provence Rosé AOP, France • $20.99
This wins the prize for prettiest packaging. It also delivers elegantly in the glass. Hints of dried flowers and spice against citrus, cherry and watermelon. Balanced and concentrated in the mouth with peach and strawberry notes chiming in.
2014 Elixir • Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP, France • $20.99
Demure but persistent red currant, muskmelon and pink grapefruittantalize your taste buds while an underlying minerality and juicy finish quench your thirst.
2014 Château Sainte Roseline, ‘Cuvée Harmonie’ • Côtes de Provence Rosé AOP, France • $23.49
Subtle maraschinoand lavender aromas. Vibrant and refreshing on the palate where tons of watermelon, dried herb and a salty tang make it moreish and chuggable.
All wines available at BC Liquor Stores. Prices are exclusive of taxes.
