Because you need an official holiday to drink pink!
Officially known as Fête Nationale Française or French National Day, but more commonly called Bastille Day, July 14 is the anniversary of the 1789 Storming of the Bastille, a major act of the French Revolution. It was an early first victory of the people of Paris against a symbol of the Ancien Régime (“old regime”). Whether you’re French or French in spirit, you can help celebrate France’s freedom with these rosés from the homeland.
Salute! Rosés for the win on Bastille Day.
Albert Bichot C’est La Vie 2020 Vin de Pays, Pays d’OC IGP. A playful typographic label and a fresh and fruity profile envelope this wine made of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. Lime twist and an herbal tinge accompany the medium body. Not a sprightly as a Provencal wine, but a reliable go-to bottle during the week.
Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel, 2021, Cotes de Provence. Lots of tangerine and citric zest on this fresh quaff from a stalwart producer. Hints of freshly picked wild baby strawberries interwoven with a savory edge. The more casual “Beach” label from this producer leads with a savory nose into tart cranberry and raspberry. Bright, zesty and well made with everything in place for a happy summer sip.
Château La Gordonne “Tête de cuvée” 2021, AOC Provence. Claiming to be “true to the terroir,” this is a savory and earthy wine to consider with food—more than just a quick sip. Red-fruit-driven recalling late summer, sun-ripened strawberries with a pleasing, slightly bitter bite like arugula. With a bit of weight on the palate, this could carry you into fall dining.
Château Minuty Prestige, 2021, Côtes de Provence. A medium-bodied style of Provencal rosé with some gravity to it. Creamy, savory, tart strawberry and an orange twist. Not a typical frivolous summer fling. “M” 2021, Clean as a whistle, not as deep as it sister wine, Prestige, but gives a fresh smack of strawberry. Perfect for the porch, patio pool or paddling about on a pond. Unless you live on the Cotes d’Azur, then take it out on your yacht. ‘Cause you do have one of those, right? Rosé e Or 2021, The highest price in this triumvirate of rosés, this one is a shimmery light pink, this jumps with grapefruit pith, zesty and fresh. A bit of ripe peach, tropical fruits like guava. Medium bodied and a nice weight in the mouth.
Six to sip on Bastille Day
Domaine Saint Andrieu 2021, Côtes de Provence. Little weightier than the typical Provence edition, this one is strawberry- and raspberry-scented with a brushing of scrubby herbs (that garrigue thing again!) A zesty snap all the way through driven by lime and lime blossom. Tasty with grilled shrimp and grits.
Domaine Mourchon “Loubie” 2020, Côtes du Rhone. “It definitely has a point of view,” said a member of my tasting panel. Made from organic Grenache and Syrah grapes and leading with a floral perfumed nose, this heavier style of rosé will see its best alongside a sticky, spicy, lip-smacking BBQ.
La Petite Perriere Rosé 2021, Vin de France. Made in the style of Loire Valley rosés, but from unnamed parcels (hence the designation) this 100% Pinot Noir pink shows a pretty copper-penny hue and expresses an “get along with everybody” flavor profile. It will be the most democratic guest at your party.
Jean-Luc Colombo “Cape Bleu” rosé, 2021, Rhône. A reliable classic that speaks of its Mediterranean roots. 67% Syrah and the remainder Mourvèdre, this is a super dry wine that smacks of ruby-red grapefruit, tart red cherries all tinged with savory herbs (think classic garrigue). Fresh and sprightly.
Maison Lorgeril, O de Rosé 2021, Languedoc. A very Mediterranean mix of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and the rest Viognier, the latter grape providing a pretty floral note, from a prestige producer. There’s a garrigue wildness showing off thyme and eucalyptus alongside tart red berries. This is a more cerebral wine that wants some serious consideration and serious spice. My pairing with tandoori chicken was the perfect match.
Rosé Gold, 2021, Côtes de Provence. Juicy baby strawberries and watermelon define this light quaff, ideal for a no-fuss Tuesday night dinner. Woman owned and similarly marketed.