2021 Miraval Rosé Cotes de Provence, Provence, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The grapes are harvested exclusively in the morning and sorted twice. The grapes are all destemmed.
Pressurage direct for Cinsault, Grenache and Rolle. The Syrah is vinifies partially using the "saignee" method.
Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (95%) and in barrels (5%) with batonnage.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The 1000-plus acre (500 hectare) estate is located in the heart of the Var Department of Provence, in the plain but pretty village of Correns, just north of the rather unremarkable town of Brignoles (which you may have to drive through to get there but which bears no resemblance to the lovely and lush environs of Château Miraval).

Although this area was inhabited by… people long before the Romans arrived in the 3rd century BC, their via Aurelia, one of the main roadways from Rome to new territories, cut through this area and encouraged Roman settlement (along with requisite vineyards and baths). In the 13th century, a monastery was built on the land and vineyards were planted. In the 15th century, members of French nobility occupied the estate. In the mid-19th century, Joseph Lambot, inventor of reinforced concrete, lived in the property and is said to be responsible for the huge wine cellar.

The château comprises 35 rooms and includes a separate chapel and a moat. It is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and a rich forest of evergreen and white oak. Water is plentiful and fills the many fountains that dot the grounds. Ancient stone terraces, planted with grape vines, traverse the property and provide protection from the Mistral. Thirteen varieties of olive trees grace the property and abut the other vineyards which, all together, total over 100 acres (over 40 hectares) of grape vines. The Cinsault variety vines are quite old.