Domaine du Dragon’s ancient vineyard sites date back to Roman times. On the sprawling, historic estate overlooking the Nartuby River Valley are ancient ruins of a château and chapel. The precious land here is steeped in history, and the label’s name itself draws inspiration from local folklore. A mythological water dragon was said to have once been the source of flooding what is now the village of Draguignan. The estate itself climbs the limestone hill of Malmont on the Triassic Plateau of Haut-Pays to deliver a terroir that is a rarity in Provence. It is here that the wine’s limestone soils are as unique in the region as the wines are complex and refreshing. The Provence sunshine met with the cooling maritime winds make for perfectly ripe fruit with that bright acidity we all yearn for in great Provence rosé. The domaine crafts terroir-driven wines with traditional methods utilizing modern technology. The vines are farmed in a method known as lutte raisonée, which means “reasoned fight” and follows organic practices unless an emergency arises in a particularly difficult vintage. The fruit is a hand-harvested blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Rolle, fermented with only indigenous yeasts in climate-controlled stainless steel tanks.

 

The 2015 Grand Cuvée captures the essence of classic Provence rosé on sight with a salmon pink core and slightly pink, golden hues on the edge. Fragrant aromatics on the nose reveal layers of white peach skin, watermelon rind, lemon, wet rose petals, and chalk. The palate is medium-plus in body with beautifully rich texture and flavors that confirm the nose in addition to a fine, crushed stone minerality that drives the refreshing finish. Nearly impossible to drink in moderation, you might want to plan on a bottle per person as this invigorating wine will disappear almost instantaneously. For a pairing that goes as well with this wine as the hot sun, try this Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad. It’s a great pairing with Rosè when served on a hot day alongside some grilled Salmon.