Château de Pampelonne Cotes de Provence Rose
WHY WE LOVE IT
Varietal Composition: Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Tibouren
Elaboration: Vineyards on sandy soil facing the sea on the bay of Pampelonne. Average age of vines is 35 years-old. HVE certified sustainable farming. Partially hand harvested (bush-trained vines), partially machine harvested (cordon-trained vines); all harvesting done in the cooler night and early morning temperatures. 45 ha/hl yields.
After total de-stemming, the grapes are cooled and pressed gently as soon as they arrive at the cellar. These techniques allow an optimal extraction of aromas to obtain a fine and elegant wine.
Tasting Notes: The nose shows a punchy citrusy character with notes of pomelo, grapefruit and light herbal tones. A hint of blossoms reminds of peonies on red fruit background: strawberry & redcurrant. The palate is dry, with medium plus acidity, fresh and juicy with lees-y silky texture. Zesty & peppery, with lots of citrus intermingled with notes of redcurrant and flowery aftertaste. Serve at 10 to 12°C to take advantage both of its freshness and texture.
PRESS
2021 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 91 Vinous
2018 – 90 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Jean-Antoine Falcon, an ancestor of the Gasquet family, was born in 1772 and worked for the French government treasury during the Napoleonic era. In Saint-Tropez, he married Marie-Madeleine Cauvin, heiress of an old local family who brought him land in Pampelonne as a dowry where he built a villa. The estate is located just a mile from the Saint-Tropez area’s spectacular Mediterranean beaches.
Jean-Antoine’s eldest son, Adrien, transformed it to its current magnificent form as the Château de Pampelonne. In 1920, after the First World War, the Gasquet family planted the first vines on two hectares. Today, the vineyard covers 50 hectares. In 2014, a new generation in the person of Marie Pascaud continued the tradition and took charge of the family farm. Marie holds a degree in oenology and vast winemaking experience from working in Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as with her father on the family estate.