One Bottle: Les Quatre Tours Classique Rose 2018
One Bottle: Chateau Paradis La Grande Terre Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 2018
One Bottle: Pierre de Taille Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rose 2018
One Bottle: Vallee des Pins Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 2018


~Les Quatre Tours Classique Rose 2018~
(Alc: 13.00%)

By Les Quatre Tours
Classique Rose 2018

Vineyard Details
Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle
Appellation: Coteaux D'Aix-en-Provence
Soil: Marl and chalk located in the hillsides of the Trevaresse chain
Altitude: 250 to 400 metres with south exposure. Hot micro-climate tempered by the Mistral wind and the altitude.

Vinification
Grapes from carefully selected plots harvested at night to avoid oxidation. Low-pressure pressing, static sedimentation for one part of the juice, cold maceration for the other. Fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks. Maturation of a few weeks on fine lees. Selection of the cuvees for the final blend.

Vintage
After a mild and particularly rainy winter, the blossom opened a bit later than an average year. A combination of rain and sun helped the vines to develop quickly, and the inflorescences appeared early. May was particularly wet with heavy rains (records were beaten), and all the growers saw the development of the parasite fungus (Mildiou and Oidium). In some periods it was impossible to treat, and the soil was water-soaked. Blooming occurred early in June when the sky stayed grey. We had to wait until the second part of June to get summertime weather. July was really warm and dry, and some storms perturbed the month of August. The harvest began the second week of September and rains were forecasted for the equinox. The first blow of Mistral wind dried the grapes and stopped the development of the root. The announced rains did not come, and finally, the harvest was made in pretty good weather conditions. Vintage 2018 showed a nice fruitiness and finesse.

Tasting Notes
Eye: Bright pale rose colour with a hint of blue (light peach pink)
Nose: Fresh and delicate, with fruity notes (pomelo, green apple, red fruits) and a hint of spice
Mouth: Well balanced, fat and round, delightfully refreshing. Fruity aromas with red currants, strawberries, and grapefruit.

Food and Wine
A highly refreshing aperitif wine. Great with salads and starters. Suitable with pates, cold meat, or cooked ham. An excellent companion for grilled dishes and delicatessen food. Perfect match with grilled or poached fishes.
[Information provided by Olivier Nouet]


~Chateau Paradis La Grande Terre Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rose 2018~
(Alc: 12.50%)

By Chateau Paradis
La Grande Terre 2018 Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

Chateau Paradis
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Chateau Paradis lives up to its name as a hidden paradise of lyrical landscapes and seductive wines. The estate of Chateau Paradis totals 160 hectares of which 80 hectares are dedicated to vineyards. Within this 80-hectares is an exceptional 9-hectare parcel (lieu-dit) of vines called "La Grande Terre." Here the 30-year old rootstocks of these vines reach down deep into a rich clay-limestone terroir some 650 feet above sea level.

The Estate
The estate is located on the north face of the Trevaresse Mountain in front of the Durance River. Because of this, the vines benefit from the Mistral winds coming from the Rhone Valley and a cool climate that follows the Durance River, which originates in the Alps. The Syrah and Grenache vines thrive in the warm Mediterranean climate and thus are able to produce a perfectly crafted rose wine. Clay imparts power and aromatics to the wine, while the chalky limestone rounds it out, bringing fruit notes and a nice minerality. Renown Rhone consultant winemaker, Michel Tardieu partnered with Philippe Cambie (Robert Parker's 2010 Winemaker of the Year) to produce La Grande Terre from this unique parcel of vines.

Tasting Notes
The resulting wine has delightful white flower aromas mingled with juicy peach notes and a streak of mouthwatering minerality. The Grenache imparts elegant aromas of small red fruits and brings roundness and strength to the wine while Syrah adds a lovely touch of spice. A great wine to share with friends over grilled meats and vegetables a la Provencal.

Wine Details
Origin: Provence, France
Appellation: AOC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Vineyard: Lieu-dit "La Grand Terre" is 9 hectares with +/- 30-year-old vines planted in a clay-limestone soil
Yield: 45 hL/ha
Blend: 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Farming: Vines are harvested at night when it is much cooler and are then pressed immediately.
Winemaking: Each grape varietal is fermented separately and blended at the end of November then bottled in January.
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]
[Information is not vintage specific]


~Pierre de Taille Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rose 2018~
(Alc: 13.00%)

By Pierre de Taille
2018 Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Climate and Terrain
The vines are grown on the hills (300m) well exposed to the sun, and the soil is calcareous, sandy, clayey and rich with limestone. The area has low rainfall and frequent Mistral winds.

Production Notes
The harvest takes place during September and October in the cool, early hours of the morning and the grapes are passed inside the exchanger harvest to be cooled. They are sent to a pneumatic press while protected against oxygen by nitrogen injection. Settling is for 1 week between temperatures of 0-4 degrees C and racking and fermentation with selected yeasts for 15 days. The juice is blended, filtered and stabilized in stainless-steel vats allowing all impurities to filter down before bottling.

Tasting Notes
Delicate rose color, pure and bright. Fresh and fruity bouquet with little red fruits and slightly citrus mineral note; well-balanced fresh mouthfeel.
Wine and Food Pairing: Excellent fresh wine with seafood, grilled mixed-barbecue, curry pork or pizza.
Alcohol: 13.00% vol.
[Information provided by V and N Cellars]


~Vallee des Pins Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rose 2018~
(Alc: 12.00%)

By Vallee des Pins
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rose 2018

Vineyard Notes
Health status and maturity of the grapes were heterogeneous in the first week of harvest (grapes under maturity) and the following three weeks with excellent quality and optimum maturity and the last week of slight over-maturity. The vineyards are located on a variety of soils that allows us to have a range of products with different typicity. Our soils are rather sandy loamy, or clay-limestone.

Production Notes
The vinification took place without problems of fermentation. Acidification of 90% of the cuvees. No particular elements on this vintage.

Varieties
Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes
Valle des Pins is a pale rose by design. In the nose, red fruits like raspberries and strawberries come with more exotic fruits like guava in the background. In the mouth the palate is fresh and clean, emphasizing ripe strawberries and perfectly balanced acidity.

Pairing Suggestions
This wine will work perfectly with Mediterranean cuisines such as salad Nicoise, eggplant gratin, mussels in cream sauce or barbecued meat. Serve quite cool, between 10 and 12 degrees C.
[Information provided by Votto Vines]

CHATEAU PARADIS Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 'La Grande Terre' 2018
Points: 91
Drink: 2019-2020
Country: France
Region: Provence
Editor: J. D'Angelo
Issue: February, 2019
Importer: Serge Dore Selections
The 2018 'La Grande Terre' is a pretty Rose which begins with inviting aromas of wild strawberries and white peaches along with orange zest and a lovely streak of minerality. On the palate, this is beautifully balanced and precise, with vibrant acidity keeping it bright and lively through the finish.

Les Quatre Tours 2018 Classique Rose (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence)
Points: 90
Price: $35
Designation: Classique
Variety: Rose
Appellation: Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
Winery: Les Quatre Tours
Alcohol: 13%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Category: Rose
Importer: VOS Selections
Date Published: 6/1/2019
This soft wine has warm strawberry flavors plus a full-bodied nature that makes it a great match with food. A touch of pepper and an edge of tannins fill it out and give it richness. Drink now.

2018 Les Quatre Tours Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose Classique
France, Provence, Coteaux d'Aix En Provence
Rating: 89
Color: Rose
Maturity: Mature
Type: Table
Sweetness: Dry
Variety: Proprietary Blend
Drink Date: 2019
Reviewed by Joe Czerwinski
Issue Date: 30th Apr 2019
Source: Issue 242 End of April 2019, The Wine Advocate
[...] the 2018 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose Classique features attractive scents of crushed stone and red raspberries. Light to medium-bodied, it's juicy, joyous and fresh, with loads of berries that demand to be consumed young.