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28th December 2021
While red wine perfectly pairs with warmer, heavier winter foods, rosé undoubtedly conjures up thoughts of a warm summer afternoon.
With rosé sales in France accounting for 30% of wine sold, surpassing white wine sales, the Provence produces some of the most popular wines in the pale pink variety.
Perhaps the aspirational aspect of a Provencal rosé makes it so attractive - a bottle of blush pink rosé by the sparkling Riviera in the glistening Southern French sunshine - what more could you want?
However, according to the queen of the kitchen, Julia Child, rosé is so versatile that it can truly be paired with any food, and can therefore be equally enjoyed in the winter. And why would we limit ourselves to only seasonally enjoying some of our favourite wines? We put this theory to the test and tried a combination of popular as well as lesser known rosés this winter season. These were the results…
The “You-Can’t-Go-Wrong” Rosé Pure by Mirabeau
The story of Maison Mirabeau could easily be a movie - a British family with a passion for wine leave their life in South West London behind to start a vineyard in the South of France… a vineyard that would become so popular that it would land their rosé in the Top 3 Rosé’s of the region every year. And if the story does not sell you, the rosé surely will. A delight of summer fruitiness, the crisp and smooth flavours make this light and fragrant rosé a delight to drink at any dinner party. Serve with Asian cuisine, seafood and fresh oysters this festive season, or put a few magnums on your New Year’s Eve table and call it a party.
The “Who-Needs-Red-Wine” Rosé Naos by Château Ferry Lacombe
There are few wines that can substitute a red wine on a winter day, we’ll admit to that. However, nestled in between Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Maximin sits the perhaps lesser known Château Ferry Lacombe, and this winter we have fallen a little bit in love. Less crisp, but incredibly well rounded, with a surprising vanilla finish, the Naos Ferry Lacombe is perfect for the colder months. Owned by family Pinot, and the star of their vineyard, serve the Naos rosé with prosciutto appetisers or it is surprisingly wonderful with a delicious roast lamb dinner.
The “Provençal-Paradise” Rosé Château Paradis Rosé
Spreading from the Sainte-Victoire mountain to the Luberon area, the Chateau Paradis wine is a true celebration of everything Provençal. This rich, more intense rosé has a generous flavour with spicy notes, reminiscent of the festive season. The estate is a unique example of the beauty of the French Southern countryside - built on the site of a Roman villa, Villa Regina, the vineyard was sold to Philippe and Juliette Deschamps in 2003, who refurbished the original Bastide. In 2011 the vineyard was bought by the Thiéblin family, who are keen to honor their Provençal roots and make the wines exceptional. Currently 60% of their production is rosé, and we are keen to try their highly acclaimed Terre des Anges collection next.
The “Let’s-Have-Rosé-Not-White” Rosé Chateau d’Ollieres Provence Rosé
If you are looking for an easy to drink, fresh wine this season, look no further than Chateau d’Ollieres. Located in the Var region of the area which, due to the very hot days and very cold nights, gives the wine more time to slowly ripen, making this rosé full in flavour and lively, with a delicate fruitiness. The father and son owned vineyard produces a rosé that, although more on the acidic side, could be a wonderful replacement for your usual Sauvignon Blanc. Let the climate of Chateau d’Ollieres vineyards enchant you this winter.
The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-year-old blended Scotch whisky from House of Hazelwood and Hedonism Wines, would make the perfect Christmas present for a whisky devotee.
As the festive season approaches, London’s vibrant dining scene is ready to dazzle with an array of delectable offerings designed to elevate your celebrations.
The end of the year is in sight, so if you haven't snapped up a private room for your annual family get-together, company party or reunion with friends, allow us to suggest some of the best in the capital.
