2021 Château La Tour de Béraud Costières de Nîmes Rosé, Rhone Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This blend is composed of Grenache and Mourvèdre, completed with a dash of Syrah. After direct pressing, winemaking is carried in stainless steels tanks, where a careful temperature control helps preserving freshness and a crisp fruit. A short maturation on fine lees grants a smooth and delicate finish.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

When winemaker François Collard took over the family estate in 1990, his dad Louis was producing mostly bulk wines, like most Costières de Nîmes producers at that time. But his finest grapes were destined to be bottled under the name of La Tour de Béraud. It refers to a fire tower from the 14th century that stands fiercely at the top of the plateau, near the vines. Like them, it benefits from the southern Rhône sun and from the freshness of the winds. During the day, the Mistral wind from the North ensures clear skies and a dry weather to protect the harvest. At night, cooling breezes from the Mediterranean Sea bring some moisture and bring balance to the wines.

La Tour de Béraud is a symbol for these optimal conditions. It also a reminder of the tumultuous history of the area, along with a long-lasting winemaking tradition. Going back 2500 years ago with the Volque people, then under the Roman empire, vines have continuously been flourishing on these hills, making Costières-de-Nîmes the most ancient living vineyard in France. When the Popes reigned in Avignon in the 14th century, their Palace’s ledgers show that 75% of the wine they bought was stemming from our area.

Holding on this background of excellence, François has envisioned to restore the reputation of our appellation and was the first one to bring his wines to the press and fine gastronomy. Benefitting from an early recognition and constantly improving his techniques (from organic winemaking to very low sulphite use and more recently, biodynamic viticulture) he is known as a pioneer of the rebirth of Costières de Nîmes, for his search of balance as well as the juiciness and finesse of his wines.