International Rosé Day: Toasting Rosé's Provençal Roots

International Rosé Day: Toasting Rosé's Provençal Roots

Imagine this: A tranquil beach haven with soft white sand, the warm summer breeze, and a glass of radiant rosé in hand. Isn't this the perfect setting to celebrate the beauty of this blush pink drink? As we toast today, let each sip take you back through the ancient tale of rosé wine, its roots deeply embedded in the soils of Provence in southern France.

6th Century BC
The world's first known rosés were made from grapevines planted by the ancient Greeks in Provence, along the Mediterranean shores near present-day Marseille. | 2nd Century BC The pale pink wines started gaining fame when the Romans took control, spreading their popularity via trade networks across the empire.
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14th Century
Demand surged again when the papacy relocated to Avignon, making rosé a drink of the aristocracy.
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19th Century
A rise in tourism in France drove demand for quality rosé wine, with Provence as the global capital producer. Rosé became a fleeting luxury for the affluent to savour promptly.
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Today
Perfectly suited for rosé with its Mediterranean climate and limestone soils, Provence now accounts for over 88% of AOP rosé production. Establishing itself as the global benchmark in recent decades, the region's rosé renaissance has been driven by booming sales, now producing over a third of the world's rosé.
Rosé is a style reclaiming its well-deserved place in the world of wines. Celebrated every fourth Friday of June, there is no better time to indulge in this pink-hued splendour. Embrace the renaissance and pick your rosés for this special occasion.

 

Provence Rosés

Domaines OTT BY.OTT 

"Pastel pink hue with soft, rosewood tints. The wine displays a fresh nose redolent of red berries, citrus fruits and white blossom. It is luscious and fruity on the palate with a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Fresh notes of citrus zest accompany the persistent finish."

 

Domaines Ott* Clos Mireille Rosé Coeur de Grain

"Lovely sandy yellow hue with copper tints. The expressive and absolutely delicious nose exudes aromas of peach, exotic fruit, redcurrant and cardamom. The wine is intense and concentrated on entry to the palate. The smooth and full-bodied mid-palate is perfectly balanced by a pleasant acidity with notes of lemon rind. The finish is fresh, mouthwatering and slightly spicy."

 

Rosés from other parts of the world

Chateau d'Aussieres Rose

Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest producer of rosé wines in France, surpassing even Provence. Made from a variety of grape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault, this region's rosés are known for their vibrant red fruit flavours like strawberry and raspberry, with floral and citrus notes, and often make great gastronomic wines.
 

E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rose

Rhône Valley rosés are known for their vibrancy, freshness, and ability to pair with a variety of cuisines, from light summer fare to heartier meat dishes. This region also features Tavel, the world's only AOC dedicated solely to rosé.

MV Roederer Estate Quartet Brut Rose

While most Anderson Valley rosés are still wines, this region also produces sparkling rosés, often blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These bubbly rosés offer vivid layers of red fruit, citrus, and nutty flavours, with a lively effervescence.

Vacheron Sancerre Rose

Loire Valley rosés are renowned for their vibrant, fresh, and fruit-driven styles, offering bright red berry flavours like strawberry and raspberry, with lively acidity.

Louis Roederer Brut Rose (Gift Box)

Louis Roederer Brut Nature Rose (Gift Box)

Louis Roederer Brut Rose (Gift Box) 1500ml

Produced from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, Champagne Rosés balance vibrant red fruit character with the trademark yeasty, toasty notes and racy acidity of Champagne. They pair beautifully with a wide range of foods from charcuterie to grilled meats.

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