2013 Château de Pourcieux, Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France

The Wine of the Week by Annette Tomei

In 1951 the wine region known as Côtes de Provence, a swath of southeastern France along the Mediterranean coast, was designated as VDQS – a classification midway between table wine and the more strongly regulated Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée; AOC status was awarded in 1977. Though red and white wines are also produced here, this region is best known for its rosé, which represents approximately 85% of production. This is a large region with varied terroir; the quality of the wines produced here also varies, so selecting wines from a reputable producer and/or importer is beneficial.

Château de Pourcieux was founded in the early 18^th century by the Marquis d’Espagnet. Michel d’Espagnet has been proprietor since 1986. The chateau itself is a registered historic monument of the region.

The chateau’s rosé is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault. Each variety is vinified separately; their juice is in contact with the grape skins for 4-6 hours at cold temperature to gently extract color and flavor before pressing and fermentation. Prior to blending, each variety wine is matured in enamel-lined tanks for 1 month after the vinification process is complete.

This wine has the aroma of a lively fresh fruit salad – berries, banana, delicate herbs, and a touch of spice. The flavors are bright and crisp – more berries and ripe peach. There’s just a hint of tannins and under 13.5% ABV – essentially, a medium body, easy wine. Rosés are a recurring favorite for pairing with a variety of foods. This one did well as an aperitif with jamon de Serrano and a young Manchego. I’d also try it with the end-of-season ratatouille, roast chicken, and Provençal-inspired seafood preparations.

Annette is the founder of VinEducation, where she is a food and beverage educator and consultant. She is also a professional chef who frequently contributes delicious recipes to EatSomethingSexy.com.

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Annette Tomei

Chef, Wine Educator & Culinary Consultant at Wander, Eat and Tell

Annette Tomei is a chef, educator, writer, and cultural tourism consultant. She has a Master’s of Arts in Gastronomy and extensive education in wine and spirits including Italian Wine Scholar with Highest Honors. She is a classically trained chef and former restaurant owner. As a sought-after cooking instructor, she has created popular Port to Table cooking classes for Holland America and has contributed to several food books including Culinary Careers for Dummies. She currently works as a food, wine and spirits educator and consultant though her company, Wander, Eat and Tell.

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