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The Pale Rosé 2021 is a Rosé blend of mainly Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah from Chateau d´Estaing which produces the very popular Whispering Angel Rosé. Provence in the south of France is divided into 9 growing regions or AOCs, but this is an IGP-designated wine.
In France, an IGP wine is a wine that does not conform to all the AOC rules and regulations or is sourced from vineyards outside the AOC borders. The Rosé is sourced from the Vin du Pay du Vars which runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast near the French Riviera.
The Pale Rosé 2021 is grown in vineyards near the fancy AOC Provence vineyards, but not in the higher-priced regions, so It should be a more affordable Rosé. We, at Cheapwinefinder.com, are used to Trader Joe’s and Aldi Provence AOC Rosé selling for less than $10.
But, those wines are typically from unknown origins, and The Pale Rosé 2021 is from a well-known Producer who makes acclaimed Rosé wines. The grapes are picked at night to insure that the heat of the sun will not evaporate any of the juice in the grapes. The grapes are hand-sorted to ensure quality.
This Rosé is fermented and aged in stainless tanks. The aging lasts 5 to 8 months on fine lees. Aging on-lees is where the dead yeast from the fermentation process is left in the stainless tanks. Fine lees mean they did some filtering of the dead yeast and grape residue, talking out the larger bits and leaving the rest. Lees add flavor and if stirred can add a creamy texture.
I found The Pale Rosé 2021 selling for $11.99, while I think the list price is $16. The Chateau d´Esclans line of Rosé wines included Whispering Angel, The Beach, and the value-priced Pale Rosé. All three wines have eye-catching labels. The alcohol content is 12.5%.
The Pale Rosé 2021 Tasting Notes
The color is, well, pale pink. The nose is bright and alive, the aromas jump out of the glass, and there is tart grapefruit, green apple, pineapple, peach, pear, tangerine, and a hint of vanilla. The Pale Rosé 2021 is a dry, balanced Rosé with interesting flavors.
This Rosé tastes like a stew of unsweetened pineapple, lemon, green apple, peach, and nectarine. The mid-palate gives that nutty/salty on-lees thing, dried strawberry pieces, lime, a slight creamy sensation, and a slap of tropical fruit. This Rosé is made from red grapes, but the flavor profile favors White grape wines.
The acidity is very well controlled and this wine has excellent length.
The Summary
- The Pale Rosé 2021 is one of the better-tasting Rosé wines I have sampled in a couple of years.
- This is one of those wines where you really should buy two bottles since the first bottle will be empty way too soon.
- They know how to make excellent Rosé in Provence, even in the IGP section.
- Not that this is a major point, but the bottle will look good on your table.
