Chateau Minuty 'M' Rosé 2021, Côtes de Provence, France

M de Minuty is the quintessential Côtes de Provence rosé, a style that Chateau Minuty defined, and is the reason behind their success as the world’s top producer of premium rosé. M de Minuty comes entirely from hand harvested grapes grown in the Côtes de Provence, making it perhaps the only major regional wine that is still hand harvested. The source for the majority of the wine is from partners in the highest quality Côtes de Provence vineyards. Minuty’s original estate vineyard in Saint Tropez, and their estate one hour north in the hills of Vidauban also contribute fruit. The focus is on working with high quality Grenache grapes that can bring aromatic complexity and gorgeous fruit flavors while offering a seamless and fresh structure. The fruit is handpicked. Just as important, they time the picking with their pressing, so that when the grapes are picked and brought over to the winery, they immediately go to the press, protected by carbonic gas. Grapes are chilled and alcoholic fermentation takes place at cool temperature and lasts around 3 weeks. There is no malolactic fermentation. Selection and blending are done around the end of November. Grape varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Tibouren. Light and bright in color. The nose has very intense aromas of orange peels and red currant. The wine in the mouth is smooth with a nice freshness.