From: IGP Mediterranee, Provence, France
Blend: 40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Caladoc

Taste: Wines from the southeast coast of France often use the broad Méditérranée IGP indication. Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol, and Cotes de Provence are all made in this area, though they can be labeled under a more prestigious appellation. Wines that do not fall within the guidelines of these and other AOCs are allowed to use the Méditerranée IGP. Here, we have a fantastic example of this. In the glass, a fresh, easygoing blend from outside fruit sources and estate owned parcels. Classic pale-salmon in color with a silver streak, it deftly balances bright acidity, clean and succulent fruit, and a subtle saline component which befits its Mediterranean origins.

Pairing: This blend will add a touch of magic to grilled summer vegetables, barbecued prawns or a fresh chickpea salad. Other options include serving this with picnic fare like ham and cheese sandwiches, a classic sub, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches, caesar salads with grilled chicken, sheet-pan tofu and green beans, fish in parchment, Niçoise salads, couscous, and light rice dishes. Allow this wine to add a touch of magic to your next weeknight pasta: Pasta with Feta and Green Olives by Yasmin Fahr for the NYT.

About. The Commanderie de Peyrassol is emblematic of the rich viticultural history of Provence, having produced wine for nearly 800 years. Today Peyrassol makes a range of high quality wines that build upon the long history of the winery and the iconic terroir of the region with contemporary winery facilities. The estate sits in the foothills of the massif des Maures, 10 miles from the Mediterranean Sea between Cannes and Marseille and has 95 hectares planted to vineyards cultivated on dry, rocky clay and limestone soils. At the core of the brand remains the Commanderie and all that it stands for: in addition to excellent wine, the estate is a historic sanctuary for gathering travelers and an enduring pillar of hospitality and conviviality.

The first recorded harvest dates back to 1256, when the Knight’s Templar founded and controlled the Commanderie. Wine production has been continuous since then, even as the estate changed hands to the Knights of Malta, and subsequently the state after the French Revolution. In 1870 it was acquired by the Rigord family, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the winery truly began to take off with Francois Rigord, who came to be known as “La Dame de Peyrassol.” With her joyful personality, famous sense of hospitality, and winemaking talent, Francois was the perfect person to represent the Commanderie, and she brought the wines to market, fame and acclaim in 1981. She also planted Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon on the estate in addition to the Grenache and Cinsault already growing, and the white varietals of Rolle, Ugni Blanc, Semillon and Clairette.

In 2001 Rigord agreed to pass the winery to Philippe Austruy, charmed by his passion and clear dedication to the property. The Austruy family invested in the vineyard, cellar and hosting facilities, creating a contemporary wine experience built around historical roots. Today the winery is managed by Phillipe’s Nephew, Alban Cacaret, who leads a team of experts from vineyard to cellar.

Peyrassol has consciously maintained organic practices in full respect of the surrounding environment, aiming for certification in the coming years. No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides are used in the vineyards. The age of the vines, the rocky terrain, and the hot, dry climate all do their part to severely restrict yields.

With their “La Croix” Méditerranée rosé, Commanderie de Peyrassol has broadened its offering using fruit from its IGP classified vineyards around the Coudonnier area and completed with sourcings from local partnerships. The winery produces this rosé with the goal of creating a more accessible wine with a focus on quality and freshness.