When you look at a bottle of rosé wine called Forever Young or Rumor from the Côtes du Provence region of France, you’re immediately drawn to its sensuous light pink color, reminiscent of actual rose flowers like Pink Mondial and Majolica roses. These rosé wines have a lower alcohol content compared to other wines from the region, making them a popular choice, especially during the summer. Drinking these wines brings to mind their unique history and the specific terroir of the region.
Having been in Provence recently, we experienced the unique weathering environment characterized by gentle sun, rain, and sea breeze, including the famous Mistral, a strong and cold wind that marks the transition from winter to spring and has been the subject of French poets and novelists.
The history of Provence is substantial, just like its wind. In the 6th century BC, the Phoenicians brought grape vines from Greece to Massalia, which is now Marseille in southern France. The wines produced from these vines were field blends of white and red grapes. These pleasant pink wines, naturally light in color, quickly gained popularity around the Mediterranean. Even today, Provence dedicates 91% of its vines to producing this wine, as it thrives in the region’s climate. In fact, Provence produces more than 80% of the rosé wines in its entire wine production.
Provençal rosé has been popular in America for years, and it has been re-popularized by Forever Young and Rumor rosés, which combine the tastes of fresh and fruity with crisp and dry. These pale pink wines are made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and sometimes Mourvèdre grapes. The finish often features flavors of red and white currant, Satsuma plum, and a hint of pepper. These wines capture the lively warmth of the summer season, no matter the time of year. However, each rosé has its own unique history that sets it apart.
Forever Young comes from the Chateau Roubine vineyard, which has a long and prestigious history. Established in 1307, it is one of only 18 Cru Classé estates in Provence. The vineyard’s east-west orientation, clay-limestone soil, and natural drainage create ideal conditions for growing more than 13 grape varieties, including the rare Tibouren variety, which accounts for only 2% of the wine grown in Provence. Throughout its history, Château Roubine has been owned by various well-known Provençal families and has gained recognition as a “Cru Classé” of the Côtes de Provence. Valérie Rousselle, the current owner, has brought a youthful energy to the estate, converting it to biodynamic viticulture and producing award-winning rosé.
Rumor Rosé is another noteworthy wine, blending 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 3% Syrah, 1% Mourvèdre, and 1% Tibouren. All the grapes used are 100% organic, resulting in a dry flavor profile without any bitterness. This light and flavorful rosé has a classic pale pink color with delicate citrus and fruit aromas. It has an alcohol content of 13% and offers a clean and crisp mouthfeel from the first sip to the finish. It pairs well with various foods in Provençal cooking, as well as tapas, vegetables, and grilled seafood.
Rumor is produced in Flassans-sur-Issole, a village located in the Var hills of southern France. The grapes grown here have the ideal acidity ratio for the palate, and Rumor’s winemakers carefully choose and blend the Provençal varietals, including Grenache, Vermentino, Cinsault, Shiraz, and Tibourin. The grapes are harvested at the ideal temperature, and fermentation is carried out with minimal human interference. The entire production process follows sustainable and organic practices, without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides, ensuring a well-balanced and palatable rosé.
Both Forever Young and Rumor rosés embody the essence of their terroirs and histories through their colors, tastes, and fragrances. They offer memorable sensory experiences that truly represent the flavor profile of Côtes du Provence.
