Around here, an affordable, deeply thirst-quenching rosé always triggers a massive rush of dopamine, but when it also hails from an ancient Provençal estate that quietly doles out small allocations to the US market, that’s a rapturous and equally rare day indeed. Ask yourself, how often do you get to flaunt a rosé—from world-famous, best-in-class Provence, no less—that few others will ever get their hands on? “Seldomly” is the correct answer. But that’s what family-owned Domaine de Beaupre brings to the table with today’s homegrown, organic, estate-bottled rosé.
This is a wine that epitomizes refreshment and relaxation: it’s energetic, aromatic, exceedingly mineral, and impossible to ignore after the first glass. Further, nobody else—from what we can see—has access to today’s 2019 yet and that, my friends, makes Beaupré among the most exciting rosés we can hope to offer. In case you need reminding, nothing else on earth can mimic the minerality and charm pouring out of this magical South-of-France terroir. Classic, top-notch Provençal rosé is a quintessential, and necessary, addition to any summer collection. Grab up to 12 and get ready to be part of the rosé “in-crowd.”
When the Double family acquired Château de Beaupré in 1854, the property served as a halfway point for various trade between Luberon and Marseilles over three decades. Just before the turn of the 20th century, Emile Double decided to plant the first vines here and within no time, was carting his very own juice down to Marseilles. Today, with their extremely limited presence in America, one would think they’re still using a horse and buggy to sell their wares. In reality, third-generation Maxime and Phanette Double are focused on farming their vines organically and crafting their limited-production wines with absolute care. It’s not about mass production here: quality and craft comes first, and distribution is a distant second.
The region of Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, north/northwest of Marseille, stretches throughout Provence’s western reaches and boasts sunny days, warm temperatures, and sandy clay-limestone soils. The Double’s vineyards sit at 1,000+-feet altitude and their crop is hand-harvested at perfectly ripe levels. At the winery, the grapes undergo a quick, gentle pressing followed by a cool-temperature fermentation and subsequent lees aging in stainless steel.
Tasting notes for a pitch-perfect Provence Rosé won’t come as a surprise: It’s all about high-toned energy, delicate red fruit, and enlivening minerality. Beaupré’s 2019 rushes forward with vim and vigor, leaving behind a mouthwatering trial of bright red berries, wild strawberry, watermelon rind, orange zest, citrus blossoms, white flowers, white pepper, and finely crushed rock. It’s zippy and straightforwardly delicious, a wine that’s nearly impossible to not enjoy. It’s shining examples like this that always keep me reaching for Provence on a hot day. Don’t believe me? Check my fridge, or the empty bottles poolside. Enjoy now, around 45 degrees, and don’t be concerned if you don’t consume your whole case this year—quality Provence rosé in its second year can gain an extra dimension. Cheers!
