Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2021, Côtes de Provence, France

Rosé et Or encapsulates the Château Minuty Saint-Tropez estate. It speaks of the seaside with its freshness and flavors, and represents the ultimate in what a quality Côtes de Provence rosé can achieve: it’s gentle freshness giving way to concentrated, almost gourmet flavors. It moves from the terrace to the white table cloth like no other. Rose et Or comes exclusively from the original estate vineyard, a half mile from the ocean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The quality of this location has always been evident, as the estate was one of the original 18 classified growths in Provence. The vineyard is heavily influenced by the marine proximity, with the afternoon winds bringing dryness and cool air. The mica schist soils contribute a notable minerality and are oriented to the southwest, allowing for full ripeness throughout the property. In addition to the trademark Grenache, which the family have been pioneers in the region for emphasizing, Rose et Or has a small proportion of Cinsault. Native to the South of France, this varietal is known to produce fresh and aromatic rosé wines. As with all Minuty wines, 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 as for 281 and Prestige, they only take the free run juice, around 65-70% of the total volume. Alcoholic fermentation is at cool temperature and lasts around 3 weeks. There is no malolactic fermentation. Selection and blending are done around the end of November. Tasting: A pale color with crystal reflections. Very intense citrus fruit and white flower aromas. In the mouth, complex with an intense freshness and finesse, with notes of pink grapefruit and white peach.