Miraval Provencal Rosé is not Just Another Pretty Face

2017 Chateau Miraval Rosé, Côtes de Provence AOC, France

Wine of the Week with Annette Tomei

I was unaware of this wine’s pedigree when I chose it. In the mood for a mid-winter rosé to lift my spirits, I splurged on what I expected to be a good wine from one of my favorite regions. Yes, I was craving a Provencal Rosé. And the bottle is sexy, strong shoulders and graceful lines. The perfect shade of pink. Later, I learned that this is a celebrity-status wine – Chateau Miraval is owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Unlike some celebrity side projects, Chateau Miraval is the real deal. Pitt and Jolie partnered with well-known wine makers the Famille Perrin. The property is situated in the first organic village in France. The vineyards reflect the exceptional terroir of the Côtes de Provence AOC. Wine Spectator named Chateau Miraval’s 2012 vintage rosé the number one wine in the world. I doubt that had anything to do with Brangelina.

About this wine

Like most of the region’s wines, Miraval Provencal Rosé is a blend of several grapes. Traditional red grapes, Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah, are blended with the light skinned Rolle (aka Vermentino) that adds unique spice.

This is a pretty wine – rose petal pink, bright and clear. The aroma of sun-warmed strawberries floats from the glass and over the palate joined by a flurry of floral aromas. Here, a zing of acidity and the prickly spiciness of white pepper give shape and structure. The finish is medium-long with a hint of salinity at the end.

My first experience with Miraval Provencal Rosé, I tasted it with an assortment of sashimi. It was a perfect partner for tuna, mackerel, and octopus. Delicate Asian flavors play well with the floral fruit notes. Since then, I’ve also enjoyed it with tuna poke (Hawaiian ceviche) and with tempura vegetables. I expect it is even more versatile, but will need another bottle to find out!

The verdict

Don’t let the pretty package and celebrity status deter you. Miraval Provencal rosé is worth the little bit of a splurge at just under $25/bottle. The 2018 vintage of this wine should be available by the time you read this, although the 2017 was still available at the time of writing. As an aside, Chateau Miraval was once the home of a famous music producer. Pink Floyd’s The Wall was recorded in a studio on at the Chateau. This product line was once named Pink Floyd Rosé in their honor.

Can’t wait to get your hands on Miraval Provencal Rosé? Check Wine-Searcher for a retailer near you.

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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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