GRAPE VARIETAL
Primarily Grenache and Cinsault, with possible touches of Syrah or Mourvèdre depending on the vintage. These Provençal varietals offer delicate red fruit and floral lift, ideal for rosé production.
APPELLATION
Produced in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, near the Durance River. This area is known for its sun-drenched vineyards and aromatic herbs, contributing to the wine’s distinct Provençal character.
TERROIR
Vines grow on limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage, surrounded by lavender fields and wild garrigue. The high elevation and Alpine influence bring cool nights and slow ripening, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity.
VINIFICATION
Direct press method with cold fermentation in stainless steel to retain freshness and aromatics. Short maceration ensures a pale pink hue. No oak is used, allowing the purity of fruit and floral notes to shine. Bottled early to capture vibrancy.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of wild strawberry, white peach, and Provençal lavender. The palate is dry and elegant, with crisp acidity, subtle herbal undertones, and a refreshing finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with Niçoise salad, grilled vegetables, goat cheese, or Mediterranean seafood. Also lovely as a chilled aperitif on warm afternoons.
I remember a time not that long ago when you couldn’t give away a bottle of pink in a bottle shop, let alone try to sell one. If you tried to order Rosé at your favorite restaurant, they’d likely nudge you toward one of the reds or whites on their list. That’s all changed, and of course, it’s changed rather dramatically. Wine aficionados worldwide are now madly in love with Dry Rosé.
Vibrant, refreshing, dry Rosé lives in a perfect middle ground between bold, rich reds and crisp, fresh whites. It deftly bridges the gap between red and white wines, making it the ultimate pink crowd-pleaser, appealing to both red and white wine lovers. We love that this amazingly versatile beverage is perfect for your informal summer gatherings, and casual meals and will be equally at home at your next sophisticated summer soirée.
Alpes De Haute Provence
Provence, located in the southeastern corner of France, is most often considered the epicenter of Rosé production. The region’s unique terroir, characterized by its warm climate, abundant sunshine, and cooling sea breezes, creates the ideal conditions for producing top-quality pinks. Provençal Rosé is celebrated for its pale pink hue, delicately vibrant aromas, and a refreshingly crisp melange of light red fruit notes on the palate. This style has become the veritable poster child of the pink drink and is synonymous with the laid-back sophistication of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Nestled in northern Provence, the Alpes De Haute Provence subregion is a hidden gem for Rosé production. The key here is the higher vineyard elevation. Higher elevation means cooler temperatures, ensuring a slower ripening process and enhancing the aromatic complexity and balance of the pinks produced here. The result is ultra-classic Provençal Rosé that retains remarkable freshness and lift.
Domaine Saint-Jean lez Durance
In your glass, this classic White Bordeaux is brimming with personality. A quick swirl or two will unlock aromas of bright lemony citrus before downshifting into Sémillon’s tropical territory of pineapple and passionfruit. Hints of fresh basil and lemongrass keep the fruit in check through a textured finish that’s kissed with a whisper of salinity.
For a true Bordeaux experience, pair this tasty White Bordeaux with oysters on the half shell, classic sole meunière, or a simple goat cheese tart. For a Paris Bistro vibe, duck rillettes, a warm leek and potato tart, or a simple grilled fish with beurre blanc. If you’d prefer an international detour, enjoy it with Korean seafood and green onion pancakes (Haemul Pajeon), Peruvian ceviche, or a Middle Eastern mezze platter.
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Vineyards at Domaine Saint-Jean Lez Durance |
Domaine Saint-Jean lez Durance is a top benchmark producer in the Alpes De Haute Provence. Owned and operated by Jean-Guillaume and Constance d’Herbès, this family-owned estate is run with the highest level of integrity. I love how Jean-Guillaume describes their mission: At Château Saint Jean, the art of living is defined by a delicate balance between honoring historical heritage and embracing modern innovation. As custodians of this estate, we are dedicated to promoting biodiversity and adapting our agricultural practices to be ethical and sustainable.
The estate was converted entirely to organic farming in 2017. Over the last few years, they’ve moved into biodynamic practices, taking their respect for the land to the next level. The estate is also a wildlife sanctuary, designated as a Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (League for the Protection of Birds) refuge. They’ve also earned the “Bee Friendly” label for their commitment to protecting he region’s pollinators. Château Saint Jean is part of the “Welcome to the Farm” network, an agritourism group of 8,000 farmers promoting sustainable and responsible agriculture across France. This admirable commitment guarantees that visitors will enjoy outstanding wine crafted by environmentally conscious and ethically responsible stewards of the land.
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Constance and Jean-Guillaume d’Herbès — Photo courtesy of the d’Herbès family |
Lavender Rosé from Domaine Saint-Jean Lez Durance is a masterpiece of pink Provençal pleasure, capturing the true essence of Provence in the glass. On the nose, it opens with vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, delicate lavender, and hints of citrus zest. Flavors of juicy red berries, ripe peach, and super-subtle spice linger nicely through the smooth and creamy middle palate. This gorgeous pink finishes refreshingly dry and crisp, leaving you longing for another sip.
As with all Provençal pink, Lavender Rosé is incredibly versatile with food. It pairs wonderfully with classic Provençal dishes such as Niçoise salad, bouillabaisse, and ratatouille. For an unconventional twist, try it with sushi, spicy Asian cuisine, spicy Tex-Mex, Cajun, and even a tangy goat cheese salad.