2010 Chateau Clarettes Grand Cuvee Cotes de Provence
Mission Codename: Leap Into Spring
Operative: Agent Blush
Objective: Visit the south of France and return with a classic Côtes de Provence Rose just in time to celebrate spring!
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Château Clarettes
Wine Subject: 2010 Grand Cuvee Côtes de Provence
Winemaker: Philippe Crocé-Spinelli
Backgrounder: The wines of the Côtes de Provence are synonymous with springtime where the Mediterranean sun kisses the vines of the south of France and are enjoyed with classic fresh coastal foods. The wines of this region must be at least 70% of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and/or Tibouren with no two varietals accounting for more than 90% of the blend. Today’s selection is predominantly Cinsault.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Brilliantly clear with pale pink with subtle salmon tints that become pale clear along the edges. when swirled, tightly spaced chubby legs cling to the upper rim and slowly descend to the wine below.
Smell – Bright and fresh aromas of both citrus and white tree fruit including tart white peach and grapefruit and even hints of red fruit also. A lovely floral component blends with limestone minerality and subtle wild and herbes de Provence that invites as sip.
Feel – Fresh and crisp, this medium-bodied dry rose has racy acidity and a touch of spice that blends with a mouth drying minerality that lingers into the finish.
Taste – Deliciously bright flavors of lively citrus, white tree and tart red fruit and even hits of tart tropical fruit blend with a touch of spice, wild herbs and textured limestone minerality.
Finish – Long, clean and crisp with lingering textured minerality that dries the palate as the lively and tart fruit and herbal notes linger on the palate.
Conclusion – The 2010 Château Clarettes Grand Cuvee Côtes de Provence is a classic rose that inspires thoughts of a lingering afternoon at a seaside cafe. Bright and racy with classic fruit wrapped in a dry and elegant structure. Pair this snappy with seafood grilled with generous amounts of olive oil and local herbs. Drink this wine young so enjoy now and through the spring and summer.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The approximate location of the Château Clarettes can be seen in this satellite photo.
