Weekend Wine

Just because the weather has cooled off a little doesn’t mean it is time to put away your rosés. With the exception of Champagne and perhaps riesling, nothing matches up with more foods than a good quality bone-dry rosé. And nowhere do they take rosé as seriously as the Côtes de Provence.

Winemaker Alexis Cornu (Photo courtesy of the winery)

Photo courtesy of the winery

This stunningly beautiful part of France is west of Cannes, Monaco, and Cap Ferrat and north of St. Tropez, an area you have to admit is pretty tony surroundings.

Château de Berne operates a lovely Michelin-starred spa as well as a distinctive winery. Their Inspiration rosé ($20) is made from Grenache (70%), Cinsault (20%), and Syrah (10%). This combination of grapes, the dry surroundings, and the keen attention of winemaker Alexis Cornu yields a wine with aromas of red berries and pomegranates along with a cleansing and bright mouthfeel.

The wine is crisp enough to match it with one of the classic sea urchin dishes from St. Tropez. If that sounds a little too exotic or difficult, try it with the tres romantic pairing of soupe au pistou, salade niçoise, and pomme frites with aioli. The recipes for these dishes are widely available on line.