Chateau de Berne: Organic Provence Rosé

While walking down the aisles of the recent Boston Wine Expo, I stopped to sample some Provence Rosé at a table for Chateau de Berne, which is part of the Provence Rosé Group by MDCV.  

The area which is now occupied by Chateau de Berne was once settled by ancient Romans, who planted vineyards in the area. By the 12th century, Cistercian monks took over the estate and it was eventually donated to Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, who encouraged the monks to cultivate vineyards, and his name inspired the name of the property. 

Today, the estate, located in the Côtes-de-Provence appellation, spans about 1700 acres, with about 1300 being devoted to woodlands and 432 acres devoted to vineyards. They have been certified organic since February 2021, growing about ten different grape varieties, although the dominant grapes are Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The property also includes a 5 Star Relais & Chateau hotel, a Michelin star restaurant, a spa, and more.

Most of their vineyards, about 80%, are planted on chalky plateau, at an altitude of 300 meters. "Cool nights, combined with a broad daytime temperature range, allow the grapes to mature at a slower pace, thus enhancing the wine’s freshness and delicate aromas." The limestone of the plateau also provides a minerality aspect to their wines. 

The 2021 Chateau de Berne Romance Rosé (IGP Méditerranée), with a 12.5% ABV is a blend of  Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah, and Merlot. With a bright nose of red fruits, on the palate, the wine is light and fresh, dry and crisp with lush red fruit flavors and a touch of floral elements. It's an easy drinking Rosé, perfect on its own, although it would pair well with food too. At about $16, it's a good value as well. 

The 2022 Chateau de Berne Inspiration Rosé (AOP Côtes-de-Provence), with a 12.5% ABV, is a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Syrah. This is a more complex and elegant Rosé, with an interesting melange of red fruits, citrus, floral elements, subtle spice notes and a backbone of minerality. It's also dry, crisp, and fresh, with a lengthy, pleasing finish. Each sip brings different elements to your mouth. Again, this would be delicious on its own, or paired with food. At about $21, this is also a very good value for such a complex and tasty wine. This was my favorite of the three Rosés I tasted. 

The 2022 Chateau de Berne Ultimate Rosé (AOP Côtes-de-Provence), with a 12.5% ABV, is a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle. This is another complex and intriguing Rosé, which is dry, crisp and fuller-bodied, with delicious red fruit, citrus, herbal notes and floral elements. This wine would also be good on its own, although I think it would be even better paired with food. At about $28, it is a bit more of splurge.