From: Provence, France
Blend: 45% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 20% Mourvèdre
Taste: The 2023 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé emanates a summery bouquet of bright redcurrants, strawberries, and citrus on the nose, followed by a palate layered with summer berries, cherries, and a hint of citrus. The Grenache, Mourvedre, and Cinsault blend interweaves clay-enriched fruit layers with a chiseled limestone-mineral structure, and the finish leaves you with a refreshingly salty tang reminiscent of the Mediterranean breeze. The wine is crisp and elegant and boasts a gorgeous purity of texture.
“No estate expresses the salt-kissed limestone-driven terroir of the idyllic Provençal seaside village of Cassis like Domaine du Bagnol, and the current generation, Sébastien Genovesi, crafts a rosé of scintillating energy, chiseled calcareous musculature, and gleaming red fruits. Comprising 45% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 20% Mourvèdre, Bagnol’s Cassis Rosé is pressed directly and rapidly (in under two hours) to extract as little color as possible, and the bottled wine (certified organic) contains only 10 milligrams per liter of total sulfur—a factor which contributes to its gorgeous purity of texture and intense evocation of limestone.” -Rosenthal Wine Merchants
Pairing: This Cassis Rosé is a versatile accompaniment to various dishes. Its crisp acidity and saline backbone make it exquisite with seafood, particularly shellfish and grilled fish. Consider pairing it with a classic Bouillabaisse (see recipe below) or fresh oysters to enhance the marine essence. Additionally, it complements the herbal notes in Provençal dishes like Ratatouille or a simple salad with goat cheese and olives, where the wine's fruitiness and minerality will shine through.
Bouillabaisse
Recipe from "Made in Marseille"
Adapted by R. W. Apple Jr.
About. The sun-drenched region of Provence, France, is celebrated for its rosé wines that brim with flavor, finesse, and vivid personality. Among the jewels of this region is the seaside village of Cassis, nestled only 200 meters from the azure Mediterranean Sea, that cradles the esteemed Domaine du Bagnol. This vineyard, nestled in this idyllic location, is the birthplace of an unparalleled gem, the 2023 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé.
When it comes to vineyards, location is paramount. The vineyard's area, a mere stone's throw away from the sea, blessed with the relentless sunshine and wrapped by the cooling mountain and sea breezes, creates an exceptional terroir. This excellent climate aids in ripening the trinity of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Cinsault grapes while ensuring they retain their invigorating freshness.
The Domaine's hilly terrain is also significant. Awash with clay and limestone, it contributes to the region's aesthetic charm and informs the wine's distinct character. A sip of the Cassis Rosé reveals the subtle clay-enriched layers of fruit and a robust limestone-mineral structure harmoniously balanced with the salty tang derived from the sea breezes. It's a testament to the timeless adage: beautiful landscapes yield beautiful wines.
While Cassis is a beloved vacation spot, its wines are often overlooked. The region needs to be more appreciated, with less than a dozen producers in the entire appellation. Yet, no other producer captures the sea-salt-kissed, limestone-driven beauty of Cassis's terroir like Domaine du Bagnol. It has managed to create a rosé that embodies the region's scintillating energy and carries its red fruits on a chiseled limestone backbone.
This feat is thanks to the tireless efforts of the current generation, Sébastien Genovesi, who has maneuvered the winery toward fully organic practices since 2014.
The 2023 vintage of the Cassis Rosé is particularly remarkable. Despite the above average temperature’s in the summer, the heavy rains in May and June, and the thunderstorm at harvest, the rosé maintained a crisp fruit quality, a tribute to the winery's deft management of the challenging conditions. An amalgamation of 45% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 20% Mourvèdre, it paints a delightful palate of summer berries, cherries, and refreshing citrus. Its fruitiness is underscored by bright redcurrant aromas and an alluring saline note – the hallmark of its marine proximity.
Limited production quantities make this rosé a coveted commodity. The winery's clay and limestone soils and a gentle north-northwest-facing slope cultivate a handful of parcels that amount to only seven hectares of vineyards. The limited availability of this tantalizing rosé enhances its allure, making it a prized asset in any wine lover's collection.
Looking back, Domaine du Bagnol's journey to its current prominence is as rich as the wines it produces. The early 1980s marked Rosenthal’s introduction to this enchanting estate when they first met Claire Lefevre, a passionate viticulturist. After her unfortunate passing in the early 1990s, the vineyard was purchased by Jean-Louis Genovesi, a native of Cassis, and his son Sébastien. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality has produced more compelling wines than ever.
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé 2023 is a wine that is as fascinating as its origin. A medley of the elements – the sun, the sea, and the soil – it carries within it the essence of the Mediterranean. Paired with the traditional cuisine of Provence, it guarantees an unforgettable gustatory experience.
