2023 Peyrassol "Les Commandeurs" Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Cuvée "Les Commandeurs" is produced from the younger vines of the estate with some fruit purchased from neighboring grape growers through long-term contracts. Grapes are harvested at night to preserve acidity and handled carefully to prevent early maceration. On arrival at the winery, they are immediately destemmed and pressed in a closed tank. A 24 hour cold settling is followed by the alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The "Commanderie", now known as Chateau Peyrassol, is located north of St. Tropez and Hyeres between the villages of Le Luc and Flassans-sur-Issole. The estate controls 850 hectares and is surrounded by 165 hectares of Mediterranean forest. Eighty hectares are planted to vineyards which are cultivated on dry, rocky clay and limestone-based soil. When Francoise Rigord took over, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon were added to the Grenache and Cinsault already grown at the estate. The Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino) and Ugni Blanc are the principal white grape varieties, supplemented by Semillon and Clairette. Peyrassol has rigorously maintained organic principles in full respect of the surrounding environment and the delicate balance of the local Mediterranean ecosystem. No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides are used in the vineyards. Organic foliar sprays help prevent chlorosis (nutrient deficiencies) and sheep manure is the only fertilizer used after the planting. The age of the vines, the rocky terrain, and the hot, dry climate establish conditions that severely restrict yields. As a consequence, harvest levels average between 25 and 40 hectoliters per hectare, depending on the vineyard and grape variety.