2023 Château Routas Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence

A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape varietals are harvested separately, destemmed, and then go directly into the press bladder. Maceration occurs for the next few hours. This time allows cold settling to be complete before inoculation of selected yeasts. The grape varietals are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation the blending of the rosé cuvée takes place followed by two or three racking’s to ensure the new wine is crystal clear. The wine is then bottled in January.

The location of Chateau Routas in the Coteaux Varois appellation is spectacular; in the heart of Provence, equidistant from the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast and the foothills of the Alps. It is surrounded by tiny medieval villages that cling to steep cliffs and overlooks miles of spectacular hillsides, woods and rivers.

The 642-acre property includes 135 acres of strategically planted vineyard parcels that create a mosaic throughout the rocky, heavily-wooded terrain in this unspoiled, high-elevation sector of Provence. Some vineyard sites have soils that are red as crushed brick, while others consist of crumbly grey limestone mixed with pockets of iron-rich, red clay, and stones that reflect the hot summer sun.

At 1,300 feet above sea level, the elevation is among the appellation's highest, providing cool nights that slow the ripening of the grapes, contributing fresh notes, good color and complexity, plus dictating harvest dates that are up to a month later than other estates. The estate also encompasses dense woods, olive trees, and oak trees hiding black truffles. Bright red poppies grow alongside brilliant yellow sunflowers, and the surrounding forests hide a substantial number of wild boars– which are unfortunately a little too fond of the Routas grapes come harvest time.

91 points, James Suckling. "A fresh and juicy rosé with notes of grapefruit, white pepper and dried flowers. Medium body with bright acidity. Vivid and well-balanced with a fruity, delicious finish. Drink now. Screw cap. "