When it comes to rosés France has no equal. There are more great rosés made in France than one could ever imagine. Here are notes on many old favorites that I buy every year as well as notes on some that are new to me. Truly, it is hard to go too far wrong with almost any rosé from France. It is just a matter of style and price! For me, the rosés from Provence, and particularly those from Bandol, are amongst my favorites. I am also especially fond of Sancerre Rosés, Tavel Rosés (Tavel is the only area where only rosé is allowed to be made), and the limited number of rosés that are available from Burgundy and Corsica. But, having said that, there are still great rosés from almost every winemaking area of France. And, there are many great values especially from some of the lesser known areas. So, follow my example and be adventuresome and try a few new rosés every year. I am confident you will soon find many French Rosés that you will love and want to buy each year. And, as an added bonus you can find most of the French Rosés priced a range of $10 – $40 with a few below and a few above. And, if you are looking for bargain priced French rosés, don’t overlook those imported by Robert Kacher Selections New York, NY (www.robertkacherselections.com). I have been buying and drinking these for many years and they are great values (several of the 2014s are reviewed in the text below). Finally, do not be concerned about buying rosés with the idea that you have to drink them within months. If fact, they keep for years (to read my article on old rosés click here). This gives you a great opportunity to buy them after the selling season when they are often discounted.

Burgundy
While we do not see too many, the few rosés that are available here from Burgundy are consistently really nice. These include the ones from Marsannay as well as those from Beaujolais. Interestingly, Beaujolais Rosé is very new to me, but I find them to be irresistibly delicious. Here are notes on a couple of really lovely Beaujolais Rosés.

Beaujolais

2014 Chateau Thivin Beaujolais Villages Rosé
This wine is made from Gamay vines that are some 50 years old. It is very light reddish pink in color with a golden hue and has a great floral perfume with hints of cherry and and subtle nuances of apricot and lychee. Elegant with a lot of charm and finesse this rosé has gorgeous balance and lovely very pure fruit showing strawberry and cherry with a faint floral nuance. Soft and enticing, the underlying crispness gives the wine real lift. And, it is so easy to drink – Outstanding.     $18.95     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

 
2014 Pierre-Marie Chermette Les Griottes Beaujolais Rosé
Like the 2013 which marked my introduction to Beaujolais Rosé (to read the article on 2013 rosés click here), this is a really delicious rosé with 12% alcohol. Pale pink in color it has a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of cherries and a touch of citrus. Very elegant and finesseful with very pure fruit showing hints of cherry and citrus with an underlying floral note this is a beautifully crafted and very tasty and easy to drink rosé – Outstanding.     $16.95     Imported by Weygandt-Metzler Unionville, PA

Corsica
Corsica is a historic island with very old vineyards that have undergone a renaissance. There are many lovely Corsican wines and the rosés show a delicacy and finesse that is especially appealing. Notes on another 2014 Corsican rosé were in my last article (to read about that wine click here and to read more about Corsican wines including more rosés click here).

2014 Clos Alivu Patrimonio Rosé
Made from grapes grown on 50 year old Niellucciu vines in Patrimonio on the northern coast of the island, this is a very classy and tasty rosé with great finesse, style, and balance. It is pale salmon pink in color with a gorgeous perfume showing hints of orange blossoms and hints of melon and peach. Crisp and bright with lovely citrus tinged melon like fruit, the wine is flavorful with a deft lightness that is very enticing and beguiling – Outstanding Plus.     $20.50     Jeff Welburn Selections Wine Agencies Inc. Van Nuys, CA

2014 Clos Canarelli Corse Figari Rosé
Made with 50% Sciaccarellu, 30% Niellucciu, and 20% Grenache this is gorgeous rosé with lots of finesse and flavor. It has a very pale golden color with a faint orange hue and a stunning floral perfume with faint hints of spice. Very elegant and beautifully balanced, the wine has lovely subtle fruit flavors of melon with floral nuances and is wonderfully crisp and delicious – Outstanding Plus.   $36     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine Comte Abbatuci Gris Imperial Rosé
This rosé is made from 90% Sciaccarellu and 10% Barbarossa. It has a very pale pink color with a golden hue and a lovely citrus tinged floral perfume. Finesseful and elegant with a crisp citrus tinge there is also a faint hint of raspberry. This is lovely rosé with class and breed – Outstanding.     $28     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine Comte Abbatuci Cuvée Faustine Ajaccio Rosé
Made entirely with 100% Sciaccarellu grapes grown on vines averaging 20 years of age, this rosé has a very faint golden color with an orange tinge. It has a gorgeous floral perfume with very faint hints of mango and a touch of citrus. Very elegant and finesseful, yet with an underlying depth of flavor showing subtle hints of tropical fruit and citrus, there is also a beautifully balanced crispness on the finish. All finesse with a very high delicious quotient, this is a stunning rosé – Outstanding Plus.     $35     Imported         by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine de Marquiliani Vin de Corse Rosé de Pauline
Made from grapes grown on 50 year old vines, this wine consists of 50% Syrah, 40% Sciaccarellu, and 10% Vermentino. It is absolutely stunning! Very, very pale golden orange color the floral perfume is gorgeous with very faint hints of mint and honey. Very delicate, yet with lots of flavor, the wine has very pure fruit with faint hints of peach and citrus and very subtle hints of floral spice. Delicate and delicious, but with complexity and a bright crispness, this is very special – Outstanding Plus.     $28     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine de Marquiliani Vin de Corse Rosé
The grapes used to make this wine also come from 50 year old vines and are 90% Sciaccarellu and 10% Syrah. It has a very pale golden orange color and a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of orange zest and a very faint hint of peach. A lovely and delicate rosé, it is finesseful with floral nuances and hints of melon and peach. With a nice crispness and a very faint underlying petillance this is really unique and irresistible – Outstanding.   $28     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Languedoc-Roussillon
This area covers the Mediterranean coastline from the French border with Spain to Provence. With over 700,000 acres of vines it is the biggest wine producing region in the world. It accounts for over 1/3 of France’s total wine production and produces more wine that the entire United States. The area also produces lovely rosés. They are increasingly appearing here and generally they are very good values. Here are notes on several including three Best Buys!

Côteaux du Languedoc

Ermitage du Pic Saint Loup Pic Saint Loup
Here is is a very interesting story on the background of this domaine as reported on the Kermit Lynch website: Legends seem to converge at the Ermitage du Pic St-Loup. The hermitage dates back from the Middle Ages, as the former home of the bishops of Maguelone. The limestone peak or “pic” perched above the vineyards was named for the legendary Saint Thieri Loup, one of three pious, crusading, brothers and suitors to the beautiful Bertrade—after her untimely death, Loup became a hermit. In 1992, the Ravaille brothers (Xavier, Pierre, and Jean-Marc) joined forces to plant a vineyard in what has traditionally been land dominated by sheep farming and cheese production. The Ravaille family has been in the Languedoc for over one thousand years, long enough to have known Saint Loup personally. These brothers have been on a noble quest of their own to create serious wine that expresses the complexity of their terroir. The three fish on the label’s emblem therefore not only evoke the story of Saint Loup, but also their fraternal collaboration. Within the first few years, the Ravailles came to the conclusion that introducing biodynamic farming practices would allow them to make the wine they wanted. Though they have been using this methodology since 1999, as of 2012 vintage they are certified organic.

2014 Ermitage du Pic Saint Loup Pic Saint Loup Rosé
This wine is made from 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 10% Cinsault. It has a very light pink color with a golden edge and a gorgeous perfume with subtle hints of strawberry, cherry, and watermelon with a very faint underlying spiciness. Very elegant with a myriad of red fruit flavors accented by floral nuances, this rosé is beautifully balanced with a nice underlying crispness and is really delicious – Outstanding.     $16     Best Buy   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Côtes Du Roussillon

2014 Famille Lafage Mirafors Rosé Côtes Du Roussillon
This rosé comes in a beautiful clear glass bottle with a glass stopper.

I love these glass bottle closures. They are very pretty and elegant. Instead of screw caps or difficult to extract synthetic corks, glass stoppers are the way to go. I think they should be widely used for rosés. Why not have the most elegant of wines in the most elegant bottles?
Made with 70% Mouvèdre and 30% Grenache Gris, this rosé has a pale pink color with a golden hue and a very nice floral perfume with a hint of peach. It has lovely citrus tinged fruit with a tinge of peach and a nice crispness. All in all, a very tasty and finesseful rosé – Highly Recommended.     $14.95     Eric Solomon Selections Imported by European Cellars LLC Charlotte, NC

Languedoc

2014 Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Languedoc
This wine comes in a lovely bottle with a glass stopper. This is also a beautiful wine that is made from Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah. Pale salmon pink in color, it has a lovely perfume with hints of peach and a touch of spice and citrus with floral nuances. Light, elegant, and finesseful, this rosé has lovely balance and nice flavors suggesting peach and citrus. It is a really lovely wine, in a lovely bottle, with a great price – Highly Recommended Plus.   $11.79     Best Buy     Imported by USA West Sausalito, CA  

Pays Du Gard

2014 Domaine De Saint Antoine Rosé Pays Du Gard
This is a rosé of Syrah that is fruity and delicious and very well priced. It is light reddish pink in color and has a lovely perfume with hints of strawberry and watermelon. It has a myriad of red fruits – strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon – with a bright crispness and is beautifully balanced – Highly Recommended Plus.   $12   Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections New York, NY

Pays D’Herault

2014 Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Rosé Pays D’Herault
This wine is made from 50% Grenache and 50% Carignane grown on 25-50 year old vines in the commune of Guilhem and is a great value. Very light salmon pink in color with a golden hue it has a lovely floral perfume with hints of peach and citrus. Crisp and bright with gorgeous fruit showing peach and melon with a tinge of citrus, this is a lovely wine at a very attractive price – Highly Recommended Plus.     $10.99     Best Buy   Imported by Beaune Imports Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine Du Poujol Rosé Pays D’Herault
Made with 50% Carignan, 35% Cinsault, and 15% Grenache, this rosé has a pale orange pink color with a golden edge and a subtle, faintly floral perfume. Supple and rounded the wine has subtle hints of melon and peach with a nice underlying crispness – Highly Recommended.   $15   Imported by Kermit Lynch Berkeley, CA

Saint Chinian

2014 Mas Champart Saint Chinian Rosé
Made with 55% Mouvèdre, 35% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah, this rosé is pale reddish pink in color with a golden hue and has a subtle perfume with faint hints of strawberry and cherry showing faint floral nuances. Beautifully balanced it is very flavorful with very pure fruit and a lot of flavor and finesse – Highly Recommended Plus.     $16       Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA  

Loire Valley
The Loire Valley wine region includes 87 appellations ranging from Muscadet along the Loire River near Nantes to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé near Orléans in north central France. Most of the production is centered in 8 areas with most of the production being white wine, some red wine, and a very small amount of rosé.

Chinon
The vineyards of Chinon surround the town on the banks of the Vienne river. Red and rosé wines are made from Cabernet Franc with the addition of up to 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon. The rosés can be enjoyed young or aged for several years.

2014 Charles Joguet Chinon Rosé
Year in and year out this is one of my favorite Chinon Rosés and it actually benefits from some bottle age. This 2014 is particularly finesseful and really delicious. Made from grapes grown on 30 year old Cabernet Franc vines it has a light reddish pink color and a gorgeous floral perfume with cherry nuances a very faint spiciness. With very pure fruit showing hints of cherry with a floral nuance this rosé is bright and crisp with a citrus tinge and is beautifully balanced – Outstanding.     $20     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine Pallus Messagnes Chinon Rosé
This rosé is new to me. It is lovely with a lot of elegance and finesse showing 11.4% alcohol. Light orange pink in color the wine has a lovely perfume with hints of strawberry and citrus and a faint hint of plum. It is very fruity and very crisp with nice balance and lovely flavors – Highly Recommended.     $14.95     Imported by The Rare Wine Company Vineburg, CA

Reuilly
The area of Reuilly has a long established history dating back to the 7^th century. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are the principal grape varieties. For many years the white wine was know as “The poor man’s Sancerre”. Today the wine is enjoying a surge in popularity.

 

2014 Domaine de Reuilly Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé
This domaine is planted principally to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. However, there is also a small plot of 2 acres of Pinot Gris which makes this unique and delicious rosé. It is also very consistent from year to year and, as usual, this 2014 is gorgeous and particularly bright and crisp this year. With a very pale golden color it is hard to identify this wine as a rosé. But as you smell and taste it there is no doubt. The floral perfume shows hints of lychee with a faint spiciness and the flavors suggest lychee, grapefruit and hints of peach. With lovely balance and great finesse this is a delicious rosé and a pleasure to drink – Outstanding.     $19.95     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Sancerre
Sancerre, located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley, is famously known for its great white wine which, for me, is the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Also, there are some really lovely red wines based on the Pinot Noir grape which account for about 20% of the areas production. Still seemingly floating under the radar and made in relatively small quantities, are the great Pinot Noir based rosés which year in and year out are some of my favorite rosés. Typically they are in the range of 12% alcohol and are beautifully balanced. They are delicious young and age beautifully. In addition to old favorites, it seems that every year I find new ones including several of the ones listed below.

2014 Domaine Sylvain Bailly Sancerre Rosé La Louée
Pale pink in color with a gorgeous faintly floral perfume showing hints of citrus and cherry this rosé is round and lush with lots of underlying crispness. Hints of cherry and citrus are accented by floral nuances and the wine is beautifully balanced with a lor of charm – Outstanding.       $19.95     Imported by Beaune Imports Berkeley, CA

2014 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Rosé
Below is a photo of the back label for this wine which speaks to how it is made. Not that we really need this for Sancerre. But, this is great information and very much in line with ingredient labeling which is now beginning in California where it is really needed (to read my most recent article on ingredient labeling click here).

Pale salmon pink in color with a golden edge this rosé has a lovely perfume with hints of cherry and a faint spiciness. It is crisp and bright with very pure citrus tinged cherry fruit and is beautifully balanced and easy to drink – Outstanding.     $16.99   Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons Ltd New York, NY

2014 Pascal and Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rosé Terre de Maimbray
Made from old vine Pinot Noir fruit this rosé has a very pale pink color and a lovely floral perfume with hints of cherry and citrus. It has very pure subtle cherry fruit flavors with a floral citrus tinge and is very elegant and finesseful with a nice underlying crispness – Outstanding.   $21.95   Imported by Weygandt-Metzler Unionville, PA

2014 Paul Thomas Sancerre Chavignol Rosé
The village of Chavignol is home to some of the best Sancerres and, of course, the famous goat cheese. And, the wines and cheese really marry well together!
Light pink in color this rosé has a stunning perfume with floral spice notes and hints of cherry and berry fruit. It has lots of floral tinged cherry and berry fruit with a tinge of citrus and is bright and crisp yet with depth and richness. This is a really delicious Sancerre Rosé – Outstanding Plus.   $18.95   Imported by Langdon Shiverick Los Angeles, CA

Touraine
Stretching from Anjou to the west to Sologne in the east Touraine is an area where the Loire and its tributaries meet. Most of the vineyards are to the southeast of Tours and white, red, and rosé wines are produced.

2014 Domaine de Corbillières Touraine Rosé
Under the ownership of the same family for over 90 years, this domaine is located just east of Tours. The rosé is consistently a lovely wine that ages very well. Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pineau d Aunis, the 2014 is pale salmon pink in color and has a lovely floral perfume with hints of raspberry. Delicate berry fruit is accented by floral citrus notes and the wine is finesseful and crisp with lovely balance – Highly Recommended.     $15     Imported by Robert Kacher Selections New York, NY

Val de Loire

2014 Domaine Eric Chevalier Grolleau Rosé Val de Loire
This domaine is located in Nantais not far from the Atlantic ocean in an area that was once ocean floor. This wine is made from the Grolleau grape which is a black grape grown in the Loire Valley that is primarily used to make rosé particularly in Anjou. Groulleau seems to be a good descriptor as it means crow in French!
Light reddish pink in color with a golden hue the wine has a very nice floral perfume with a tinge of citrus. It is very bright and crisp with hints of tart raspberry and citrus and is a lovely delicate rosé – Highly Recommended.   $14.95   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Provence

The area of Provence has a very long history of wine production.
Some believe that early inhabitants may have used indigenous vines to produce wine before the arrival of the Greeks in 600 BC. The Romans came in 125 BC and by that time the wine produced there had a reputation of being of high quality. Since that time the region has been influenced by a wide range of people and cultures. The phylloxera epidemic reached the area at the end of the 19^th century and devastated the vines. Later, the arrival of the railroad and the development of tourism on the French Riviera resulted in soaring production of rosé which was very compatible with the climate and the regional cuisine. And, so it is today. Rosé wine currently accounts for more than half of the production of wine in Provence and sales of Provence Rosé in the United States are soaring (to read my latest article click here and to read my trade tasting article featuring notes on more 2014 Provence rosés click here)

Bandol

Bandol is a wine area of less than 4000 acres centered around the Mediterranean coastal town of Bandol. This area has a unique microclimate next to the coast that is very warm and sunny and protected from the northern winds. Most of the production here is red wine which is mostly based on Mourvèdre. Bandol Rosés account for about a third of the areas production and are, for me, amongst the greatest rosés in the world. They are made from blends that are dominated by Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault. Delicious young they are also amongst the most age worthy of all rosé wines and continue to evolve over periods of ten years or more.

2014 Château de Pibarnon Bandol Rosé
This estate has been owned by the Comte Henri de Saint-Victor and family for the last 40 years. It is situated at the top of La Colline du Télégraphe in the northernmost part of Bandol in an amphitheater of vines near the Mediterranean Sea. This area receives some 300 days of sunshine per year and the vines here are 40 years old. The rosé is made from 65% Mouvèdre and 35% Cinsault. It is delicious young and is very age worthy. This 2014 is a superb example.
Pale orange in color with a golden hue the wine has a great perfume with hints of apricot and a tinge of floral citrus. It is beautifully balanced with lots of fruit showing hints of apricot and citrus with a faint exotic nuance and has lots of flavor and depth. No question, this is a delicious rosé that can be consumed now with great pleasure or aged for years to come – Outstanding Plus.   $27     Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines New York, NY

2014 Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé
This rose is made with a very high percentage of Mouvèdre up to 75% along with Grenache and Cinsault. This 2014 is lovely. It has a light reddish pink color with a golden hue and a gorgeous perfume with floral nuances and hints of fresh herbs and apricot. Lush, flavorful, and rounded the wine has subtle hints of apricot with a faint citrus tinge and a hint of spice. Very nicely balanced this is a rosé that works very well with heartier foods – Outstanding.     $19.99   Imported by Weygandt-Metzler Unionville, PA

2014 Domaine Gros’ Nore’ Bandol Rosé
This estate consists of some 36 acres of nearly 35 year old vines. The vineyards are located only a few hundred yards from those of Domaine Tempier. The wine is made from 40% Mouvèdre, 40% Cinsault, and 20% Grenache. For many years Alain Pascal and his father sold their fruit to Domaine Ott and Chateau de Pibarnon. After his father’s death, Alain named the estate for his father, Honoré Gros Noré, which means Big Honoré with the name Honoré shortened to Noré. Honoré was a giant of a man and Pascal is cut from the same mold. The first wines were made here beginning with the 1997 vintage. Having said that, the Domaine has already established itself as one of the best and most consistent producers of Bandol Rosé. The 2014 is again stunning.
With a light salmon pink color showing an orange hue the wine has a deep perfume with hints of apricot, raspberry, and citrus. It has great depth of flavor and wonderful fruit showing hint of apricot and raspberry with a floral undertone. Beautifully balanced, this is a delicious rosé to drink now or for many years into the future – Outstanding Plus.   $32   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine Le Galantin Bandol Rosé
This wine is made from grapes grown on organic vineyards and consists of 50% Cinsault, 25% Mouvèdre, and 25% Grenache. It is pale salmon pink in color with a golden hue and has a deep perfume with hints of peach and tinges of floral spice. With lovely supple fruit showing hints of peach and apricot with floral nuances, this is a rosé that has a lot of charm and beautiful balance – Outstanding.     $22   Selection Eric Stauffenegger Vigneron Imports Oakland, CA

2014 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé
This property, which lies between Marseilles and Toulon on the hillside of a natural amphitheatre and runs down to the shore of the Mediterranean, has been owned by the Tempier family since 1834. They won their first gold medal in 1885 so they have a long track record of excellence. And, year in and year out for as long as I can remember this rosé is superb. It combines complexity with finesse and flavor in a way that defines the very best rosés. And, it ages very well and after a few years develops even more complexity. This is a wine I buy every year. The old ones are great and this 2014 is yet another in the long line of successes.
Made with 55% Mouvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 20% Cinsault grapes grown on vines that average 20 years of age this rosé has a very light orange pink color with a golden edge and a gorgeous faintly floral and tropical perfume that also hints of fresh herbs. The wine is wonderfully balanced and flavorful with a myriad of subtle fruit flavors showing a faint herbal accent. Already complex, this is a rosé that will evolve and intensify with a bit of additional age and keep for 10 or more years – Outstanding Plus.   $36     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé
This rosé is made from grapes grown on 10 year old vines. It consists of 50% Mouvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 25% Cinsault. The color is very pale salmon pink with a golden edge and the wine exhibits a subtle floral perfume. A rosé of great finesse and early appeal, it is very elegant with subtle hints of citrus, peach, and melon and a nice crispness on the finish – Highly Recommended Plus.   $32   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine de la Tour du Bon Bandol Rosé
This domaine is located in the northwest portion of the appellation. The vines here average 38 years of age. The blend of grapes can vary from year to year, but typically consists of 35% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 25% Mouvèdre, and 10% Clairette.
Pale salmon pink in color the wine has a lovely perfume that is faintly floral and herbal with hints of melon and peach. With great finesse and style there are complex flavors that are faintly herbal and floral with hints of peach and melon and a very slight tropical nuance. The is a delicious rosé to drink now, but undoubtedly will continue to evolve for many years – Outstanding.     $30     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Cassis

Cassis is an area located east of Marseille in southern France. Majestically situated, it is known for its cliffs facing the Mediterranean and sheltered inlets. The ancient fishing village was first settled by the Phoenicians in the sixth century B.C. and with them came the Ugni Blanc grape and wine.

Today there are only a very few vignerons in Cassis who produce small amounts of white and rosé wine most of which is consumed locally with fish from the Mediterranean.

2014 Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rosé
This domaine was founded over 100 years ago. Founder Jules Savon won a gold medal for the domaine at the World’s Fair in 1900. For the last four generations it has been farmed by the Sack-Zafiropulos family. Total annual production is only about 3,750 cases of mostly white wine with a very small amount of rosé. Only a small quantity is imported here.
Made from 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, and 20% Mouvèdre grown on vines 15-40 years of age, this wine is always one of the most refined, delicate, and finesseful rosés on the planet that marries these qualities with flavor and length on the palate. It is a great marriage with all types of lighter foods particularly delicate fish dishes. This 2014 is a typical example. It has a pale pink color with a golden hue and has a gorgeous perfume with subtle beautifully integrated hints of floral spice, melon, and fresh herbs. Stunningly balanced with very pure fruit offering faint suggestions of melon, pear and citrus with faint floral spice nuances, this is rosé with great class and style. And, oh yes, it is also just plain delicious – Outstanding Plus.     $36   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Coteaux D’Aix-En-Provence
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence is the second largest appellation in the Provence wine region in the far south-eastern corner of France.

2014 Bìeler Père et Fils Cuvée Sabine Rosé Coteaux D’Aix-En-Provence
This rosé is made from an unusual blend of 41% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 4% Rolle. It is light pink in color with a golden hue and has a very nice floral/herbal perfume. Bright and very crisp the wine has a citrus tinge with hints of raspberry and is balanced and flavor with a nice crisp finish. Value priced this is a lovely rosé – Highly Recommended.     $9.95   Best Buy   Imported by Bieler Père et Fils Sausalito, CA

Les Baux de Provence

The tiny village of Baux de Provence is situated on a high rocky plateau in the Alpilles Mountains. It has been classified as “one of the most beautiful villages in France” and contains many historic monuments. With only 500 inhabitants it is accessible only by foot. The vineyards that surround the village are spectacularly situated. 2014 Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence Rosé
This domaine has been owned and operated by the Cartier family for decades using organic methods for farming and winemaking. The property is located in the beautiful countryside appellation of Les Beaux de Provence and the rosé is a blend of mostly Grenache, Mouvèdre, Cinsault, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2014 is really gorgeous and a great buy.
Light reddish pink in color the wine has a subtle floral perfume with underlying berry nuances. With very pure fruit showing hints of cherry and raspberry there is also a floral accent and a tinge of citrus. This is a delicious and beautifully balanced rosé with lovely flavors and a lot of charm – Outstanding.     $14.50   Best Buy   Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines New York, NY

Coteaux Varois en Provence
The Coteaux Varois en Provence covers the central part of Provence between the Côtes de Provence and the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence. It is sheltered by mountains and 60% of the regions production is rosé. The main grape varieties are Grenache, Cinsult, Mouvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvigonon.

2014 Château La Calisse Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence
A blend of Syrah and Grenache, this rosé has a very pale pink color and a great floral perfume with hints of spice, lychee, and citrus. With great fruit showing hints of peach with subtle floral citrus notes this is a beautifully balanced and very stylistic rosé with lovely finesse and flavor – Outstanding.     $22   Imported by Kateli Pleven Selections New York, NY

Côtes De Provence

The Côtes De Provence is the largest appellation in the Provence wine region. It covers roughly 50,000 acres with 85% of the production going into rosé. The grapes used for rosé are Mouvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, and Tibouren. There are many Côtes De Provence Rosés available here although many more are available in France. Without question this area is responsible for more great rosés than anywhere else in the world.

2014 Caves de Esclans Sacha Lichine Whispering Angel Rosé Côtes De Provence
This is the negociant wine of Château D’Esclans. There are several other estate rosés that are marked by new oak one of which is priced near triple digits! Go figure!!
This wine has very pale salmon pink color and a lovely floral perfume with subtle hints of peach and citrus. It is lovely with elegance and finesse and delicate floral accented flavors showing faint hints of citrus and peach – Highly Recommended.   $18.95   Imported by Shaw-Ross International Miramar, FL

2014 Domaine De La Fouquette Cuvée Rosé d’Aurore
Made with 65% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 5% Rolle this wine has a light pink color and a lovely floral/herbal perfume. It has very nice fruit with a tinge of citrus and a faint hint of apricot. With balanced crispness this is a lovely very easy to drink rosé – Highly Recommended.   $14.95   Imported by Wine Agencies Van Nuys, CA

2014 Selections Ott Les Domaniers Rosé Côtes De Provence
This wine is part of Ott Sèlections and made from grapes from selected growers in the Côtes De Provence. It has a pale orange pink color with a golden hue and a subtle perfume with a faint floral nuance. Delicate with a faint floral quality and a tinge of citrus this is a light and pleasant rosé – Recommended Plus.   $17.95   Imported by Maisons Marques & Domaines USA Inc Oakland, CA

2014 Miraval Rosé Côtes De Provence
This is a new rosé that first appeared in the 2012 vintage. It is a joint venture between the well known Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and Famille Perrin (Chateau de Beaucastel in the Rhone Valley and Tablas Creek in California) from grapes grown on the estate the couple owns in the Côtes de Provence. As might be expected, the wine was met with a deluge of enthusiasm with some hyping it to the point of calling it the greatest rosé in the world!  Well, after all, that’s Hollywood!!
The wine is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle and, forgetting the hype, it is a lovely stylistic rosé. The 2014 is very light salmon pink in color with a golden hue and has a lovely floral perfume with faint hints of strawberry and watermelon. With lovely fruit, the wine is rounded and flavorful with a lot of finesse and is beautifully balanced and very easy to drink – Outstanding.   $20.99   Imported by Vineyard Brands Birmingham, AL

2014 Château de Pampelonne Rosé Côtes De Provence
Made with 40% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, and 10% Tibouren this is a light finesseful rosé. It has a very light pink color with a golden hue and nice floral perfume showing a hint of citrus. Pleasant floral tinged flavors are accented by a faint citrus tinge and a followed by a nice crispness on the finish – Recommended Plus.   $18.95    Jeff Welburn Selections Imported by Wine Agencies Inc Van Nuys, CA

2014 Château du Rouët Cuvée Réservée Tradition Rosé Côtes De Provence
Consistently this is a wonderful rosé that is also a good value. This 2014 is no exception. It has a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of cherry and citrus. With very pure fruit showing hints of peach, cherry, and citrus the wine is flavorful and beautifully balanced with nice underlying crispness – Outstanding.     $14.95   Best Buy   Imported by Europvin USA Van Nuys, CA

2014 Saint André de Figuière Magali Signature Rosé Côtes De Provence
Made with 30% Syrah, 30% Cabernet, 25% Grenache, and 15% Cinsualt this rosé has a very light pink color with a golden hue and a lovely floral perfume with a hint of strawberry. It is elegant and finesseful with lovely fruit showing a citrus and strawberry nuances and a nice underlying crispness – Highly Recommended.     $14.95     Imported by Paul M Young Fine Wines Los Angeles, CA

Pays De Var

2014 Triennes Vin de Pays du Var Rosé
This estate was founded in 1990 by Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanèe-Conti and another friend Michel Macaux. It is located in the hills of the Var region of Provence. Made principally from Cinsault this rosé is also blended with Grenache, Syrah, and Merlot.
Pale pink in color with a faint golden hue this wine has a lovely perfume showing hints of peach, strawberry, and citrus with a faint exotic tinge. The fruit is very pure with faint hints of peach and citrus with an exotic nuance. Very flavorful, yet delicate and finesseful, this is a bright crisp rosé with lots of appeal – Outstanding.     $13.95   Best Buy   Imported by Chambers & Chambers San Francisco, CA

Rhone Valley
The Rhone wine region in southern France is located into 2 parts: north and south. The Northern Rhone produces mostly red wines from the Syrah grape sometimes blended with white wine grapes and some white wine from Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier grapes. The Southern Rhone, with a more Mediterranean climate, produces red, white, and rosé wines with one appellation, Tavel, devoted entirely to rosés. The rosés from the Southern Rhone produce some of the fruitest of all French Rosés.

Costières de Nîmes
The Costières de Nîmes is located between Nimes and the western Rhône Delta. Wines have been produced here for over 2000 years. Some 40% of the current production is rosé. The Costières de Nîmes roses are generally very fruity and usually very attractively priced.

2014 Château de Campuget Tradition de Campuget Rosé Costières de Nîmes
Consistently a very nice rosé and a very good value this 2014 continues the trend. It is made with 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache Noir and has a pale reddish color with a golden hue. The wine has a lovely floral perfume with hints of strawberry and a faint spiciness. With very nice balance and fruit showing strawberry nuances and an underlying citrus tinged crispness, this is a very attractive rosé – Highly Recommended.      $9.95     Best Buy   Imported by Dreyfus Ashby & Co. New York, NY

2014 Château Grande Cassagne Rosé Costières de Nîmes
Always a great value this 2014 is again really delicious. Produced by the 5^th generation of the Darde Family, it has a light pink color with a golden hue and a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of strawberry and cherry with a touch of spice. With very pure fruit showing strawberry and cherry, the wine is rounded and supple with a nice underlying crispness – Highly Recommended Plus.    $13   Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections New York, NY

2014 Château Mopurgues Du Grés Fleur d’Eglantine Rosé Costières de Nîmes
This rosé is named for a type of wild rose. It has a very pale orange color with a golden hue and nice floral perfume with a faint hint of apricot. The flavor is subtle with faint floral nuances and apricot and citrus nuances and the finish show a nice crispness – Highly Recommended.   $10.95    Imported by Paul M. Young Fine Wines Los Angeles, CA

2014 Château Mopurgues Du Grés Les Galets Rosé Costières de Nîmes
This rosé is named for the round rock soil found in the Rhone river. It has a very light reddish pink color with a golden hue and a subtle perfume with a hint of strawberry and citrus. It has nice strawberry tinged fruit with some underlying crispness – Recommended Plus.   $10.95   Imported by Paul M. Young Fine Wines Los Angeles, CA

2014 Chateau d’Or et de Gueules Rosé “Les Cimels”  Costières de Nîmes
Always a beautifully crafted rosé and a very good value this 2014 is no exception. Pale salmon pink in color with a golden hue the wine has a lovely perfume with hints of peach and apricot and a tinge of citrus. The fruit shows nuances of apricot, peach, and raspberry with a citrus tinge. This is a delicate and beautifully balanced rosé with lots of finesse, elegance and flavor – Highly Recommended Plus.   $14     Best Buy    Imported by Robert Kacher Selections New York, NY

2014 Terre Des Chardons “Rosé d’Eté” Costières de Nîmes
Pale reddish pink in color with a golden hue this rosé has a lovely perfume with hints of rose petals. It has lovely balance with floral tinged cherry fruit and is elegant and delicious – Highly Recommended.   $18     Imported by Grand Cru Selections New York NY

Côtes du Rhone

2014 Famille Lancon La Solitude Rosé Côtes du Rhone
This is a negociant wine from the owners of Domaine de La Solitude in Châteauneuf du Pape. It has a light pink color with a golden edge and a subtle perfume with hints of strawberry. The fruit shows a faint watermelon nuance with tinges of citrus and the wine has a nice underlying crispness – Recommended Plus.   $12.95   Imported by Landon Shiverick, Inc. Los Angeles, CA

Gigondas
Gigondas is a wine region in the Southern Rhône that dates back to Roman times. It is mostly a red wine region with very little rosé made and no white wine. Rosé from Gigondas is not often seen here. But, the wine reviewed below is imported each year. It is a joint venture between The Brunier brothers of Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape and Kermit Lynch, their long time American importer, that began in 1998. The Domaine Les Pallières had been in the same family since the fifteenth century. It was once famous, but had fallen into disrepair and the winery and vineyards needed a lot of work. The owners, who had no successors, decided to sell and the rest is history.

2014 Domaine Les Pallières Au Petit Bonheur Gigondas Rosé
This is a very consistent rosé from vintage to vintage. It is always delicious and a pleasure to drink. The 2014 is very pale salmon pink in color with a golden hue and has a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of peach, apricot, and citrus. The fruit is very pure with hints of peach and citrus accented by floral notes and the wine is elegant and finesseful with great balance showing a lovely underlying crispness – Outstanding.     $22   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

Tavel is an area of just over 2000 acres dedicated solely to making rosé wines. It is located across the Rhone river from Châteauneuf du Pape and just north of Avignon. Historically, Tavel has been a favorite wine of kings and the Popes of Avignon as well as many celebrities. Vines have been grown in the area since the 5^th century BC.
The wines of Tavel are known for their fruit and come in beautiful clear glass bottles embossed with the Tavel name and emblem. Tavel wines can be consumed young but also benefit from age. They are unique and delicious and are particularly suited to enjoyment with heartier foods.

2014 Château De Manissy Cuvée Des Lys Tavel Rosé
Light reddish pink in color with a faint orange hue this wine has a subtle floral perfume with hints of berry fruit. It has lovely fruit with hints of berry and cherry and is rounded and tasty with very nice balance – Highly Recommended.   $17.95   Imported by Weygandt-Metzler Unionville, PA

2014 Château De Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé
Always a gorgeous Tavel this 2014 is true to form. It has a light reddish pink color and a deep perfume of floral tinged cherry and berry fruit. With lots of fruit and flavor the wine is lush and rounded with bright underlying acidity. This is a delicious Tavel that will age beautifully – Outstanding.     $16.95     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

2014 Domaine LaFond Roc-Epine Tavel Rosé
Made with Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and several other varieties this is a really stunning Tavel. It has a pale red color and great floral perfume with cherry and watermelon fruit. It is lush and rounded and loaded with floral tinged cherry and watermelon fruit which is accented by a bright crispness. Enticing with great charm, this rosé is delicious now yet it should age for many years – Outstanding Plus.   $17   Best Buy   Imported by Wines of France Inc Mountainside, NJ

Ventoux
Formerly known as the Côtes du Ventoux, Ventoux is a large wine are located some 25 miles northeast of Avignon. Wines have been made here since the 1^st century AD.

2014 Domaine de la Verière Ventoux Rosé

Memo to anyone that cares: This wine has some type of synthetic cork that is a real stinker to get out. This is the best reason I know of for not using synthetic corks and using a glass stopper (or even a screw cap) when real cork is not used. Other than the synthetic cork (and the fact that I broke a Le Creuset wine opener trying to get the cork out), the wine is lovely.
Made from 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 10% Syrah it has a very pale salmon pink color and a lovely floral perfume with hints of white peach. Elegant with lovely fruit hinting of peach and nectarine with a citrus tinge, this rosé is uniquely fruity with lots of appeal and it is attractively priced – Highly Recommended Plus.   $12   Best Buy   Imported by Bayfield Imports Ltd Manhassat, NY