It’s Never Too Late For Classic French Rosé

Many wine drinkers associate rosé with spring and early summer-time drinking—those days when perhaps you’re floating around on the yacht or lounging on the patio or under the pergola. You’re probably not thinking of rosé much in August’s late, wistful days as the goldenrod, Queen Anne’s Lace and cool summer nights signal summer’s end.

But, you should. And the experts agree.

The perception of limited “seasonality” is but one of the myths the Provence wine board aims to debunk on its website, along with a number of other misconceptions about it being a simple or insipid quaff. The category has its proponent in the sommelier community, too. Educator Vanessa Price, author of Big Macs & Burgundy, is

Provence is considered the spiritual home of the category, and its astronomical success inspired wine regions around the world to come up with their own versions, resulting in a wide field of pink styles in varying hues and flavor profiles. Many rosés, in fact, are more pleasurable in the fall when their savory notes are a better match for transitional menus. Price says their range of styles and structure give them “the ability to pair with a full range of foods—spicy, sour and sweet.”

But because we are still in the heat of summer, and heading into a heat wave after a good drenching this week (merci, tropical storm Henri!) it’s a good time to celebrate summer’s last gasp with refreshing rosés from France. Unless otherwise noted, all vintages are 2020 and still available.

Bernard + Olivier Coste “Montrosé” (2019), Pays d’Oc IGP, Sud de France. Tropical hints  of tart tangerine and rich guava and a creamy, medium body without being cloying, At 14.4% abv, one glass can make you woozy, so have this with light foods. Good Tuesday-night dinner wine.

Côté Mas “Aurore.” Fresh red fruits and citric twist from a renowned producer in the Languedoc. Smacks of strawberry, pink grapefruit in a bottle with a label reminiscent of a vintage travel poster. One-liter bottle makes it a party!

Kind of Wild rosé, Pays d’Herault (Languedoc). Made from a blend of organic Syrah and Grenache grapes, this is a dry, raspberry- and strawberry-driven wine. Medium bodied and a little heftier than its Provencal neighbors to the east, this is. Hip packaging, one of a branded portfolio of global wines, available only online.

Hecht & Bannier Côtes du Roussillon Villages. A true “home town” kind of wine made from 40% Syrah 35% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, but a good Provence imposter with its light pink hue, tropical flavors of guava and pink grapefruit pith. Dry and crisp with characteristic scrub and herbal savoriness.

For the full article check out Forbes: It’s Never Too Late For Classic French Rosé