Here are two absolutely delightful and refreshing Rosés from two very different wineries in southern France – one from Domaine de Tara located beneath the ochre hills of the village of Roussillon in the Luberon and the other from Les Vignes du Lys situated in the rolling countryside outside the gorgeous town of Uzès in the Duchy of Uzès. Yes, the wineries might be figuratively and literally some distance apart but they have one thing in common – they make yummy, thirst-quenching Rosés. And, make no mistake about it, these are Rosés with substance, not some wretched blush from goodness knows where.

We are ordering them now to make sure you have plenty of ammunition here in time to combat summer’s steamy inferno. Can’t make up your mind which to order? Why not order them both – they come in handy six-bottle cases. You can never have too much really good Rosé. We plan to trot over to the LCBO with your orders as soon as we return from our arduous fortnight in southern France slavishly seeking new treasures for our thirsty Members – Friday, April 1 (how appropriate!).

Les Vignes du Lys

Jim, Olivier and la Soif!

Ray is an Irishman and Olivier is pur laine from the Pays d’Oc. They have accomplished a great deal in a very short time to improve the vineyards and are converting to the strict organic regime. They have also created an up-to-date wine making facility including all of the modern equipment and fermentation systems. But, perhaps most importantly they have retained the services of Emmanuel Gagnepain to supervise their winemaking. Emmanuel is a renowned oenologist who has earned 100 point ratings from Robert Parker for his work at Domaine la Barroche and Domaine Chante Cigale in Châteauneuf du Pape.

2010 Rosé “La Soif” - 13% Alc./Vol.                                  $15/$96 six-bottle case
Made from 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, this Vin de Pays d’Oc is a most refreshing, satisfying rosé that is showing gobs of red fruit with light citrus nuances and a nice crisp finish. While a fashionably pale salmon colour, this is not weak stuff made from young vines. The Syrah is between twenty-five and thirty-five years old and the Grenache thirty-five (average yield is only 35 hl./ha.). And, 2010 was a very, very good vintage for both of these varietals in southern France. I love this wine! It will go brilliantly with Oriental cuisine, ham and salmon or by itself on a hot summer’s day. Order your thirst-quenching six-pack of rosé heaven now!

Domaine de Tara

Pascale, Mathieu, Michèle & Patrick

Domaine de Tara’s vineyards cover about 25 acres entirely within the AOC Ventoux. The AOC Ventoux area is located in the south-eastern section of the vast belt of Rhône Valley plantations that stretch from Vienne in the north to Avignon. The vineyards are some of the oldest in France. Recent archaeological finds trace winemaking back to around 30 BC. The climate is Mediterranean - dry in the summer and very sunny all year round. The Mistral, the prevailing (and often maddening) northerly wind, provides the vines with remarkable natural ventilation making it easier to farm organically or with minimal, gentle intervention. Eleven varieties of varieties of grapes are authorized for the blended wines of the AOC Ventoux

2010 Terre d’Ocre Rosé – Domaine de Tara – 13.5% Alc./Vol. $17/$102 six-bottle case
This delightful quaffer (Vin de Pays de Vaucluse) is made from 65% Grenache and 35% Carignan. The wine is a delicate, rose petal pink with very expressive aromas of raspberries, strawberries, soft spices and minerals. In the mouth it is absolutely smashing with rich, tangy, smooth textures and well-defined fruit sensations. It will go brilliantly with Asian cuisine, salmon dishes and baked ham or with a salade niçoise at a sidewalk café. Last year’s O!France guests drank it by the bucketful as they lazed by the pool after long days touring Provence! Serve chilled, of course. Order your bottles of pink happiness now (Guide Hachette recommendation).

Note: the above prices include a one dollar handling fee for all the work we do including tasting all these wines on your behalves.

Note number two: We had hoped to include the 2010 plaisir750 from Domaine Sabon in this offering. Unfortunately the winery did not make enough of this wine to satisfy their local demand let alone the foreign markets.

Coming Next

 We are bringing back an old friend, Martine Sauvage and her crisp, well-priced wines from Château Beauferan.

Know any fanciers of good Rosé from southern France (and who doesn’t, particularly on those languid days of July and August)? Please pass this note on to them and invite them to join the tipplers of Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club.

Many thanks and cheers!

Jim and Hélène
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.com