Les Vins Bréban
Côtes de Provence, France
Though referenced in the name, this this lovely pale Rosé is enjoyed in Paris but isn’t made anywhere near the French capital. It’s made way down south in Provence, an area many of the finest Rosés in the world call home. The vineyard is located in the towns of Gonfaron and Pignans, on the inside edge of the Massif des Maures, and it has been owned by the Brun family since 1900. Soils of the 35-hectare vineyard are clay, limestone, sandy and especially alluvial of Permian origin. The varietal plantings include the all the Provençal Rosé classics: Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah. The super pale pink hue introduces notes of fresh red berries, white peach and candied flowers on the perfumed nose. Smooth, broad and gently spicy, the palate offers juicy raspberry and peach flavors and a subtle hint of savory herbs. It’s a great example of the superb quality of the 2015 vintage and it has just the right amount of brightness to balance the richer fruit of 2015. Pair this one with fish, white meats, BBQ, Asian and picnic fare. Of course, this is great just on it own and will help to tame those 90 degree afternoons.