Domaine de Rimauresq, Cru Classé Rosé 2023, Cotes de Provence

The estate encompasses 57 hectares of prime vineyards with an average vine age of 40 years (the oldest being planted in 1930). The vineyards are located at an altitude of between 140 to 190 metres, just 35km from the coast, and are aided by a North-West orientation which helps maintain freshness. The micro climate at Rimauresq is unique within the appellation; the vines benefit from the cooling Mistral winds and are sheltered by the mountains from the harsh Mediterranean sun. It is this shade that allows a longer ripening period and better fruit development in the crucial weeks prior to harvest.Grenache Noir (46%), Cinsault (27%) and Rolle (9%) provide structure, supplemented by Syrah (8%), Mourvèdre (7%), Tibouren (2%) and Carignan (1%) for complexity. A combination of mechanical and manual fruit harvesting is carried out during the early morning to benefit from the cooler temperatures. Cold maceration on the skins for several hours prior to fermentation at a low temperature. Grapes for this "rosé de presse" are pressed and the free run juice separated. After fermentation the wines are left on their lees for three weeks with regular 'batonnage', improving the aromas. The wines do not undergo malolactic fermentation so as to preserve their acidity.

Delicate pale onion skin in colour with strawberry fruit aromas and an appealing herb-spiked nose. The delicate palate is pretty with red fruit and roship characters backed by gentle acidity. The finish is long and complex and with just a touch of aeration really shows its class. As always, a food wine par excellance. 

Fantastic as an aperitif or try with salads, grilled fish or salad Niçoise.