When in the South of France, Drink Rosé

As Route 7 winds south, it traverses two great rose-producing regions: the Rhone Valley and Provence. Hot, sunny Provence tends to yield pale wines with tart minerality—perfect for summer meals. Mas de Cadenet Sainte Victoire Rose's ($17) earthy finish enhances the region's chickpea socca, while the citrus in Domaine Sorin Terra Amata Rose ($11) complements rich salade nicoise. Cabernet lends juiciness to the Chateau Vignelaure Rose ($22), a foil to briny tapenade and pissaladieres. Mellow Palais Prive Rose ($19), from Luberon, wedged between the Rhone and Provence, tames the sharp mustard in steak tartare. Ruddier and racier than its Provençal cousins, E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rose($15) stands up to roasted fish dishes, while the herbal Chateau Mourgues du Gres Fleur d'Églantine ($13) is a match for milder preparations, like fish en papillote. For dessert, the tropical Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose ($20) from Provence heightens the flavor of lemony sweets like madeleines.

TODD COLEMAN
Drinks

When in the South of France, Drink Rosé

By Betsy Andrews


Published on May 20, 2012

As Route 7 winds south, it traverses two great rose-producing regions: the Rhone Valley and Provence. Hot, sunny Provence tends to yield pale wines with tart minerality—perfect for summer meals. Mas de Cadenet Sainte Victoire Rose's ($17) earthy finish enhances the region's chickpea socca, while the citrus in Domaine Sorin Terra Amata Rose ($11) complements rich salade nicoise. Cabernet lends juiciness to the Chateau Vignelaure Rose ($22), a foil to briny tapenade and pissaladieres. Mellow Palais Prive Rose ($19), from Luberon, wedged between the Rhone and Provence, tames the sharp mustard in steak tartare. Ruddier and racier than its Provençal cousins, E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rose($15) stands up to roasted fish dishes, while the herbal Chateau Mourgues du Gres Fleur d'Églantine ($13) is a match for milder preparations, like fish en papillote. For dessert, the tropical Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose ($20) from Provence heightens the flavor of lemony sweets like madeleines.

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