Provence Rosés: Château de Berne Emotion & Urban Provence

As I wrote recently, When Labor Day Arrives, Don't Stop Drinking Rosé! It's not just a summer wine, but one which should be enjoyed year round. Let me provide reviews of a couple Provence Rosés which you can enjoy this fall and winter.

Château de Berne, located in the village of Lorgues, owns a 1,235-acre estate (with 330 acres of vineyards) which dates back to the 12th century, though its roots extend back over two thousand years to the ancient Romans. In 1960, the estate was restored and then in 1995, the estate was purchased, with the new owner replanting numerous vineyards and modernizing the winery. In 2007, a British businessman purchased the estate, which has also become a five-star Relais & Châteaux property. They are currently converting over to 100% organic production.

The 2017 Château de Berne Emotion ($16) is an AOP Côtes de Provence Rosé, a blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, and 25% Syrah. The grapes undergo cold soak maceration for 2 to 3 hours, and then fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks before bottling. With an ABV of 12.5%, this pale, pink Rosé has a pleasant nose of red fruits and hints of peach. On the palate, it is light, dry and crisp, an easy drinking Rosé with delicious flavors of strawberry, cherry, and peach with a mineral aspect and a moderately long and pleasing finish. This Rosé went very well with a flaky piece of cod, and would pair well with dishes from a goat cheese salad to a roast chicken, or even a pizza. This wine is what you seek in a Provence Rosé.

And I will note the more unique bottle shape of this wine, its gentle curves and white bands reminiscent of a woman in a striped bathing suit.

Ultimate Provence, located near the village of La Garde-Freinet, has a recently renovated 100-acre estate and they focus on a single wine, the Urban Provence Rosé. The 2017 Urban Provence Ultimate Provence Rosé ($23) is an AOP Côtes de Provence Rosé, a blend of 45% Grenache Noir, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, and 5% Rolle. Like the Emotion above, the grapes for this wine undergo cold soak maceration for 2 to 3 hours, and then fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks before bottling. That shouldn't be surprising as both wines were produced by the same winemaker, Alexis Cornu.

With an ABV of 12.5%, this pale, pink Rosé has a pleasant nose of red fruits, accented by some peppery notes. On the palate, it is typical Provence, light, dry and crisp. There are tasty flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, with some spicy notes, a mineral backbone and a lengthy, satisfying finish. This Rosé is a bit more complex than the Emotion and will hold up to a bit heartier of a dish. I would enjoy this with burgers or pizza, lobster or scallops, roast chicken or even pork. Another winner of a Rosé, sure to please.

This bottle is also a bit more unique, tall with multiple ridges and a large crest. It is the type of bottle you might save as it is empty.