Festive and friendly events are often accompanied by a good bottle of wine. And among the French's favorite celebratory wines , rosé is synonymous with freshness and lightness. Château de Berne establishes itself here as a renowned producer of rosé wines in Provence , and accompanies you during all your celebrations.
Rosé wine: An elegant option to celebrate all your events
Wine arrived in France more than 2,600 years ago, under the influence of the Greeks, then the Romans. Like most alcoholic drinks, it was then associated with festive moments, but it was also widely consumed as a table wine, with every meal.
The festive side of rosé wine developed during the 20th century, particularly with the advent of paid holidays. Tourists then headed to the Mediterranean coast for vacation, and rosé responded to their desire to drink a refreshing, uninhibited and light wine. It is from these moments that rosé wines will be assimilated to summer and happy celebrations.
Rosé wine is a celebration staple, offering a palette of colors and flavors. Thanks to careful production, European producers create quality rosés, combining the nature of the grape varieties and winemaking techniques. Wine regions such as Pays d'Oc offer gourmet rosés, while wine blends ensure light color and refined taste. Discover the potential of these festive wines, perfect for any special occasion.
The advantages of rosé wine
If rosé wines, and more particularly rosés from Provence, are so successful, it is not simply the result of a good marketing move. Their assets are enough to seduce all wine lovers.
An exceptional sunny terroir
The Provence wine region benefits from an exceptional terroir , and the characteristics of the soil contribute greatly to the unique character of Provençal rosés.
Bringing together two distinct geological groups, one crystalline and the other limestone, the Provençal terroir has varied vegetation with, on one, maquis, and the other, scrubland. Neither really enriches the soil, and the vineyards therefore benefit from poor but particularly well-drained soils. These conditions are then perfect for the vine to flourish.
Carefully selected grape varieties
If the soils have a major influence on the characteristics of the wine, the grape varieties are also decisive elements. In the Provençal vineyard, more than ten varieties of grapes are cultivated for the production of rosé wines. Some of them, the main grape varieties, are present in most vineyards. Others, present in smaller quantities, are called accessory grape varieties.
We can also classify grape varieties based on the color of the grape skins: red grapes (or black grapes) and white grapes. Logically, black grape varieties are mainly used to make red wines, while white grape varieties are intended to produce white wines.
For the vinification of rosé wines , red grapes are essential to obtain the pretty pink color, but white grapes can also be added. We then speak of blended wine.
In Provence, the main red grape varieties are Tibouren, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The main white grape varieties are 6 in number: Sémillon, Rolle, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc.
The influence of winemaking methods
In Provence, winegrowers mainly use two techniques for making rosé wines:
- Skin maceration : the crushed grapes are placed in vats so that the grape juice ferments in contact with the grape skins, seeds, pulp and stems. Alcoholic fermentation and skin maceration take place in a few hours, compared to several days for red wines;
- Direct pressing : the grapes are pressed immediately after harvest, to separate the juice from the must.
The choice of vinification method depends on several elements, such as the maturity of the grapes, the type of grape variety, the blend, or even the expected qualities.
Good to know: there is a third way to produce rosé wine. Saignée wine is then a wine drawn from a red wine vat before the end of alcoholic fermentation.
The sensory experience of a celebratory rosé
Tasting a good bottle of rosé is treating yourself to a strong sensory experience. This experience is renewed with each rosé wine, as the diversity of profiles is great.
Typical rosé tasting notes
On the wine route of France and the world, you can discover a multitude of rosé wines : dry or sweet rosé, pale or colored rosé, sparkling or still rosé, sweet or tannic rosé... The appellations of Provence are often delicate, fruity, delicious and fresh rosés .
Finally, a rosé wine is characterized by different criteria:
- Its pretty pink color , dark for the bleeding rosé, lighter for the pressing rosé;
- Its fruity and fresh aromas ;
- Its softness and freshness in the mouth .
The Château de Berne vineyard and its exceptional rosé vintages
In the Provençal hinterland, the Berne estate stretches over 800 hectares and cultivates nearly 175 hectares of vines, intended for the production of red wines, white wines and rosé wines. Among the exceptional rosé vintages from the estate and its partners, here is a small selection:
- Esprit Méditerranée - IGP Méditerranée 2022 : with its aromas of summer fruits, its notes of red fruits and its beautiful peach color, this cuvée is ideal for a simple and light meal;
- Origin - AOP Côtes de Provence 2022 : this organic wine with a pretty pink color presents notes of spices and crunchy fruits and a beautiful freshness which works wonders with marinated white meats or bold cuisine;
- Ultimate Provence - AOP Côtes de Provence 2022 : the beautiful pale color of this fruity rosé wine reveals floral notes and a beautiful aromatic complexity which perfectly accompany good Mediterranean cuisine.
Special occasions to taste a good rosé wine
Appreciated for its adaptability and simplicity, rosé is the drink of choice for celebrating authentic moments of joy . It then has its place on various occasions, whether for a romantic romantic dinner, for a festive family meal, for a chic and elegant aperitif dinner, to accompany a gourmet dinner, or even to celebrate more formal moments.
Tasted alone as an aperitif, with delicious Provençal cuisine, or during a barbecue, the bottle of rosé is a delight for everyone.
Rosé wine consumers love the simplicity and elegance of this type of wine. Rosé has thus become an essential celebratory wine , and the Provençal vine seems to know how to perfectly meet the expectations of rosé lovers, by offering wines with a unique aromatic style.
