National Rosé Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of June. To commemorate this joyous occasion, let’s look at one of the most renowned rosé-making regions in the world: Provence.
Provence is one of the oldest winemaking regions in France and, historically, an important region worldwide for its primary focus on the production of rosé. Though other styles of wine are made here, it is considered the birthplace of delicate and fresh, pale pink dry rosé.
The climate of Provence is Mediterranean, with some continental influences in the more northern inland areas of the region. With lots of sunshine year-round, dry, hot summers and the moderating influence of the sea, this area is prime territory for grape growing. The mild, dry climate allows many producers in this region to focus on organic farming practices, meaning fewer chemicals in the land.
(Jacqueline Coleman)
Sainte Marguerite wines are perfect to include in summer activities.
This June and all summer long, take some time to get to know the wonderful wines of Provence. Check out these French rosés that refresh on a warm summer’s day while offering a bit of that Provençal lifestyle in a glass.
SAINTE MARGUERITE EN PROVENCE
Whether you’re basking in the sun on Miami Beach or living it up at a day club in St. Barth in the Caribbean, you can also have a piece of Provence with you if you’re drinking Sainte Marguerite.
The winery was founded in 1977 by Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard when they relocated to Provence and purchased a seven-hectare property, which included a vineyard. Without any prior winemaking experience, the family had to learn from scratch how to manage vines and produce wine. Luckily for them, the property was already classified as a Cru Classé des Côtes-de-Provence, recognizing the quality of the land and ultimately the wines.
As of 2024, there are only 18 estates in Provence that can claim that status. Today, second-generation Fayard family members run much of the business, including Olivier Fayard, who oversees winemaking for the brand.
Now spanning almost 200 hectares, the Sainte Marguerite estate produces fine rosé, red and white wines from organically grown grapes. The winery received an Ecocert Certification in 2003, which certifies that it doesn’t use any fungicides, insecticides or herbicides.
(Sainte Marguerite )
Available by the glass at KIKI on the river and SLS South Beach – Bar Centro & Hyde.
Sainte Marguerite is an ultimate lifestyle rosé complete with beautiful, stylish bottles with names like Symphonie and Fantastique that complement any summer-inspired activity.
Symphonie Rosé, 2023
Total Wine, $23.99
Symphonie Rosé is a blend of grenache, cinsault and rolle (vermentino). It has floral aromas along with white peach and grapefruit. The wine is fresh on the palate, with red berries and citrus flavors.
CHÂTEAU LA GORDONNE
Since Roman times in first century B.C., the area of Gordonne has been prized for its ideal location for growing vines. Though the history goes back even further, the La Gordonne winery was definitively established in 1652, passing through several hands over the next few hundred years, including the Bishopric of Toulon during the French Revolution.
The iconic bell that signifies the brand was cast in 1654 and was part of a former chapel located on the property. Since 1982, it has been listed as a historical monument.
Now, the property includes 330 hectares of vineyard under organic viticulture, cultivating grapes such as grenache, cinsault, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. Cellar master Julien Fort creates several cuvées, including white and red wines in addition to rosé. This year, the winery released a trilogy of wines, Le Cirque des Grives (rosé), Sémaphore (white) and Les Planètes (red). Each showcases a unique location, or “micro terroir,” of La Gordonne, and its own vinification method.
The wines of Château La Gordonne represent the richness of the history and depth of the soul of Provence.
La Chapelle Gordonne Rosé, 2022
(Château La Gordonne)
Available through 305Wines.com
305wines.com, $28.99
Fresh and delicate, this rosé exudes Provence with a touch of garrigue along with fresh red berries and citrus fruit on the palate.
CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
Château La Mascaronne is in the village of Le Luc-en-Provence on a 60-hectare vineyard site with distinctive stone-walled terraces. The property has been certified Agriculture Biologique since 2016, and positive environmental practices are a central focus of the viticultural philosophy.
Purchased by Michel Reybier in 2020, owner of Cos d’Estournel in Bordeaux and Champagne Jeeper among other prestigious brands, the winery is now a partnership with NBA champion and All-Star Tony Parker. Technical director and winemaker Nathalie Longefay oversees creating the fresh and balanced wines that the winery is so well known for producing.
Château La Mascaronne embodies the evolution of Provence while remaining true to the region’s character.
Château La Mascaronne Rosé, 2022
PlumMarket.com, $32
A blend of cinsault, grenache, syrah and rolle, this refreshing rosé showcases a bright liveliness as well as structured intensity, with aromas and flavors of citrus fruits, red berries, white peach and some pineapple. La Mascaronne offers a medium-bodied rosé that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or throughout a meal.
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She also contributes to Luxury Guide USA magazine and is a regular guest host on the “Food, News & Views With Linda Gassenheimer” podcast.
Jacqueline Coleman