2004 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé, $14.99, 13% alc.: This has been a favorite of mine since I first tasted the '01 about three years back; peachy pink in color, it offers mineral, apple, strawberry and watermelon flavors and aromas, and while it’s not exactly fruit forward, in this case, that’s a good thing. Classic Provencal dry rosé, and most food friendly, but be sure not too chill this one too much, because you’ll mask some of the more subtle characteristics. “Made from equal parts of Grenache and Cinsault, spiced with Syrah, it is bottled young and stays fresh for several years although most is consumed within 12 months of bottling,” according to the importer , and indeed, we had a bottle that had been “lost” in the cellar for two years or so last summer, and it was delicious.
Imported by Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA
2004 Château de Lancyre Pic Saint-Loup Rosé, $13.99, 13.5% alc.: The reds from this producer are among my very favorites from the Languedoc, and this strawberry pink lives up to their quality level, with its mineral, rainwater, strawberry and watermelon flavors and aromas. Medium full bodied, it has good acidity and it’s a little more fruit forward than the Commanderie de la Bargemone (both were tasted on the same occasion), but not much. Another classic dry rosé, and one that will pair well with a wide variety of foods; a blend of 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah.
Imported by Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA
2004 Domaine Ott Les Domaniers de Puits Mouret Côtes de Provence Rosé, $18.49, 12.5% alc.: Salmon pink, silky smooth and definitely a step above most of the others noted here, with by far the best nose of the bunch, and rainwater, mineral, watermelon and strawberry flavors and aromas. Beautifully balanced, with perfect acids and a long finish, and while not an estate wine from Bandol’s famed Domaine Ott, this is still one of the very best rosés we’ve had in a long time. (Note to self: it would be fun to try this along side the Commanderie de la Bargemone to see how they compare.)
Imported by Maisons Marques & Domaines USA Inc., Oakland, CA
- From A Rosé By Any Other Name
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