The one true rosé wine standard?

One of the hardest things about putting Rosé wines into a distinct category is that there are so many different ways of making them without one, dominant method being able to lay claim to being the real Rosé wine style. Now, as a lover of wines, that's no bad thing, as there's so much to explore. So, if there's so much up for grabs, no one can really tell you what is right or wrong.

No doubt, some regions have produced blush, pink coloured wines for many centuries and others may be newer to the practice. But who sets the gold standard? It's hard to look beyond Provence, but there's also Tavel, and then  Anjou too.

While rosés are consumed all year round elsewhere, they've been mostly marketed around summer drinking in this part of the world. And that's probably not very fair. They are so good, they match so many food types, that rosé wines deserve as serious consideration as red or white wines. 

Miraval, the Quintessential Provençal Rosé

Over the past five years, or more, it is the "Provence Rosé" that has called the shots in the market, and Miraval Rosé is at the epicenter of this trend.

Famously formerly owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the estate was making really fine rosé wines before they made the celebrity purchase.

However, it wasn't that well known an estate at the time. The celebrity-credibility  they bestowed gave the winery and to the rosé market can't be underestimated.

Rosé wine was not only acceptable for drinking, it was now desirable and perhaps allowed one to get a little closer to the famous Hollywood couple.

Well, they've since relinquished their ownership, and regardless of the fads and  fashions of celebrity culture, Miraval does make superb wines.

The celebrity doesn't stop there though! It gets a bit more rock n' roll, with The Studio by Miraval Rosé being named after the recording studio on the estate where Pink Floyd and AC/DC made some of their classic hits.

But is Miraval rosé any good?

First a little bit of further background. Château Miraval is situated in the village Correns, on the right bank of the Argens river in Provence. Apparently, the first 100% certified organic village in France.

The Studio by Miraval rosé has a delicate, pale, pink colour. Fresh nose with notes of red berries, and some peach. The palate has a really gorgeous texture coupled with flavours of apricot, peach and white flowers which are well balanced with bright acidity. Great wine to go with seafood, any and all types of salads. 

The estate wine, Miraval Rosé, is a similar, pale pink in colour, with aromas of white flowers, strawberries and morello cherries. The palate is quite soft, with notes of  berries, some lovely minerality, hints of salinity, again a great match for seafood. 

Grapes used for both Miraval rosé wines are Cinsault, Grenache, Tibouren, Rolle and Syrah.

And if Miraval isn't your thing, have a look at the selection of rosé wines we have available to buy online. 

Cheers!