The 2013 Chateau de Fontlade Saint Qvinis Rose’ is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache sourced from estate vineyards in the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP of Provence in southeast France. They have documented that vineyards have existed on the Chateau de Fontlade property since the 900s, but since the vineyard is located on an ancient Roman Road, there is good reason to believe that the land has produced grapes since Roman times. Saint Qvinis was a 6th century monk who lived near the vineyards. 90% of the wines produced in the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP are Rose’. The alcohol content is a relatively high 13.5%.
The color is a delicate pink with slight apricot tint. The nose is roses and strawberries. This is a very dry (not sweet), crisp Rose’. The flavors are subtle and intricate, strawberry and peach lead the way, the nectar sweetness of the fruit is well countered by the acidity, giving the body of this Rose’ great length. The finish is clean and refreshing and lasts quite some time.
The 2013 Saint Qvinis Rose’ is a beautiful wine, wonderful balance, natural flavors and delicate interplay between the nectar sweetness and the crisp acidity. If you are interested in exploring Rose’ wines, Provence is the natural place to start, they produce excellent, mostly dry, crisp, balanced, subtly flavored Rose’. There are plenty of other regions and countries producing Rose’ wines, but Provence is the target the other Rose’ producers are aiming for.
