Rose and Orange by the Glass
Producer: Ann Pichon
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
Region: Rhône Valley
Appellation: Ventoux
Style: Rosé
Winemaker Anne Pichon crafts tiny batches of classic Rhône wines from a lovingly restored vineyard at the foot of Mont Ventoux. The domaine’s name is Latin for "The Buzzing Song of Bees”. The arid land of the estate is a veritable painter’s palette of optimal winegrowing soils, like sand and white clay. At this elevation, the cold Mistral wind sweeps up from the hills below, protecting the vines from disease and making it easier for Anne to employ organic and biodynamic farming practices. Carefully and manually managing the estate’s rows of native Rhône grape varieties, Anne keeps yields low and production small—producing no more than 40 barrels per year. She named her wines Sauvage, which translates to “wild,” inspired by her deep affection for the nature in these untamed hills. Like the foothills of Mont Ventoux, the wines are pure, dynamic, and refreshing.
Notes: Ripe strawberry and honeydew melon aromas are complemented by a subtle floral top-note. Detailed on the palate, with lots of energy and texture. Focused red fruit and spiciness round out the long finish.
Producer: Figuière
Grape: 35% Cinsault, 35% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah
Region: Côtes de Provence
Style: Rosé
Figuière is located in La Londe-les-Maures between Marseille and Nice with vineyards that lie just a few hundred meters from the Mediterranean Sea. Alain Combard purchased the property in 1992 after discovering its cool coastal climate and unique schist soils. Over a period of 25 years, the Combard family grew Figuière to its current size of 210 acres. Additionally, Figuière purchases grapes from contracted growers in the Côtes-de-Provence. Since the purchase of Chateau Barbeiranne in 2019, Magali Rosé is 100% estate grown.
In the bottle: The grapes undergo a quick 2-3 hour maceration on the skins before being fermented in stainless steel tanks, resulting in a lean, crisp, and pale pink rosé. The wine is lightly filtered before bottling.
Notes: Figuière aims for tight wines that express the unique terroir of coastal Provence. Magali Rosé is a medium-bodied rosé with aromas and flavors of strawberries, orange peel and white flowers. The wine shows bright and refreshing acidity and salty minerality thanks to the influence of the nearby Mediterranean Sea.