Nine Delicious Rosé Wines From Provence

Any wine list should start with quality – Mas de Cadenet has been making superlative rosé for many years now in the most gorgeous backdrop of the Sainte Victoire mountain range, close to Aix-en-Provence. Immortalized in landscape paintings by artist Paul Cézanne, the terroir is ideal for growing Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Syrah to perfection. In balanced proportions, these three grapes blend into a structured yet fruit-driven rosé. The balance, freshness, and length of this wine are impressive. One for gastronomy, rather than quaffing!

Bordeaux wine magnate Bernard Magrez also understands a thing or two about making light, elegant, aromatic rosé. From his boutique estate in Provence comes one of the region’s best examples of delicate rosé – the color is pale, the aromas redolent of strawberry and citrus, yet the finish is long and pervasive. An appetizing acidity cuts through the summer fruit, leaving a harmonious, balanced rosé that pairs well with food or serves as an aperitif. A touch of Vermentino complements the classic trio of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, adding acidity and verve.

An iconic and timeless face of Provence’s increasingly crowded rosé scene, Château Minuty is credited with immortalizing the pale rosé style, now favored worldwide. Yet this bastion of the style – some would say the best – has not lost ground to newer, trendier rivals. The superlative M de Minuty Rosé seduces you with its light, delicate rose petal, apple, and red cherry aromas. Fresh, elegant, and delicious, one bottle of this fabulous rosé will never be enough.

The volumes produced at this famous property are considerable – but then, so too is the global fan base. Indeed, Sacha Lichine saw a wise investment when he purchased this gorgeous château in Provence, relocating from Bordeaux. Today, the estate’s succulent, structured, fruit-driven rosé portfolio is adored by a sizable celebrity fan base, with Whispering Angel leading the pack. Undoubtedly one of the finest in its class from the beautiful Côtes de Provence region, expect red fruits, almonds, vanilla, and creaminess by the bucket load.

No warm-weather drink is more perfect than this elegant rosé from superstar producer Mirabeau. Owner Stephen Cronk is a pioneer, with Mirabeau introducing a Pure Provence rosé can in the US in 2018. Led by Grenache, with Syrah, Cinsault, and other varieties in support, the blend gives the wine its textured mouthfeel, fresh fruit palate, and zesty acidity. It dazzles with beautifully soft, scented strawberry, raspberry, and citrus aromas – so, in other words, utterly divine.

The property is famous for its Hollywood connection to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, yet the terroir and wine quality shine through in every bottle of Miraval. Located on the site of a former monastery built in the Middle Ages, Miraval has hosted several celebrity musicians, including Sting, Sade, and Pink Floyd. Drawing on the expertise of the legendary Perrin family of the Rhône wine region, Miraval is in a class of its own. Believe the hype and ignore the celebrity nonsense – Château Miraval is a case of substance over style.

In the heart of Bandol, a region famous for its spicy, Mourvèdre-based red wines, you’ll find an exceptional pale-colored rosé. The estate’s modern chapter began with Robert De Salvo and the 2010 vintage. Lou Pigna is both refined and accessible, a rosé that works on many levels, including as a delightful aperitif and gastronomic accompaniment. Aromas of strawberry, redcurrant, and tomato leaf fill the glass; the palate is long and complex. The ‘Chateau Margaux’ of Provençal rosé, we could say – supremely classy, elegant, and definitely not disposable summer drinking.

Domaine de Rimauresq is a rarity in Provence – a property that received an official classification. The estate was revived in 1882 after the phylloxera louse devastated viticulture across France, and in 1955 Rimauresq became one of 23 Provence estates officially designated Cru Classé. Their rosé remains one of the very best in the Côtes de Provence, a superlative (and varying) blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Vermentino. The winemaker avoids malolactic fermentation most years, ensuring racy acidity across the mid-palate. Summer fruits, apple, citrus, and pear drop all vie for attention.

Visitors adore the estate – who could resist a handsome château flanked by the Provençal cliché of the forest, garrigue, lavender fields, and rolling hills? Certainly not us, as the property is one of our favorite regional producers. Chateau La Tour is renowned for its superior terroir and strict adherence to organic viticulture, earning official certification in 2005. Only the finest hand-picked grapes make their signature rosé, which undergoes gentle direct pressing and is bottled relatively promptly to maintain freshness. Yet the wine is not insubstantial, and the creamy, textured mouthfeel supports a divine palate of summer fruits, thyme, and stone fruit—an excellent rosé with an enviable track record for consistent quality.