From: Vidauban, Provence, France
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, and Merlot
Tasting Notes: This rosé has an inviting aroma of ripe cherries and raspberries, with a hint of fresh watermelon, a touch of minerality, and a pale pink hue. On the palate, you'll find light and crisp flavors of strawberry and watermelon, balanced with a refreshing zing of acidity. Perfect for warm weather.
Pairing: For appetizers, consider bruschetta, smoked salmon, or prosciutto-wrapped melon to start a meal. Seafood options like grilled shrimp, scallops, or a classic Provençal bouillabaisse complement the wine's crisp and refreshing nature. Vibrant salads with goat cheese, strawberries, and a citrus vinaigrette enhance its fruity aromas. Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, or fresh mozzarella work well with its delicate flavors. Lightly seasoned grilled chicken or turkey breast make excellent poultry pairings. Roasted vegetables, ratatouille, or a vegetable tart highlight its mineral notes. These pairings accentuate the wine's refreshing qualities and perfectly complement its fruit and mineral notes.
Mark Bittman’s Bouillabaisse
By Mark Bittman
About. In the town of Vidauban sits the Maîtres Vignerons de la Vidaubanaise in Côtes de Provence. Established in 1922, this esteemed cooperative controls an impressive 600 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the appellation. The vineyards spread across the limestone foothills of the historic Maures massif in the southern Var, a region known for its exceptional terroir that lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps.
The unique location of the Maîtres Vignerons de la Vidaubanaise offers an ideal Mediterranean climate, which is particularly advantageous for cultivating traditional southern varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, and Rolle. These varietals thrive in the warm, sun-drenched environment, producing grapes imbued with Provence's characteristic flavors and aromas.
The winemaking process at the Maîtres Vignerons is meticulous, with various vineyard parcels vinified separately. This approach allows each wine to express its unique character and complexity, reflecting the diversity of the terroir. The cooperative's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in the numerous awards their wines garner annually. Prestigious competitions such as the Mondial du Rosé and the Concours Général Agricole frequently recognize their exceptional offerings. Furthermore, their wines receive regular accolades and mentions in esteemed publications like the Guide Hachette, a testament to their enduring reputation in the French wine industry.
The history of the Maîtres Vignerons de la Vidaubanaise is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Provençal winemaking. The cooperative's establishment in the early 20th century came when many small wine producers sought to unify their efforts to better navigate the wine industry's challenges. Over the decades, the Maîtres Vignerons have preserved traditional winemaking techniques and embraced modern innovations to enhance the quality and sustainability of their wines.
Wine Notes: One of the notable selections from this venerable cooperative is "La Plage," a rosé curated by Michael Corso and bottled exclusively for Michael Corso Selections. This rosé exemplifies the essence of Provence, offering a value-driven yet utterly delicious experience that captures the region's spirit.
Their vines are planted in a terroir of sand, clay, and limestone soils. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, and Merlot, sourced from vines averaging 15 to 35 years old, results in a rich and balanced wine. With a yield of 40 hectoliters per hectare, the Maîtres Vignerons produce approximately 80,000 bottles annually.
