TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Delicate pale salmon-pink with brilliant clarity and subtle copper highlights that catch the light beautifully.
Nose: Elegant and refined aromatics featuring fresh red berries (wild strawberry, red currant), white peach, and subtle citrus blossom. Secondary aromas reveal hints of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary), a touch of white pepper, and a distinctive mineral quality reflective of its terroir. The bouquet shows impressive precision and restraint.
Palate: Crisp and vibrant with laser-focused acidity balanced by delicate fruit concentration. The entry presents bright red berry flavors complemented by stone fruit (white peach, nectarine) and subtle citrus notes. The mid-palate reveals excellent tension between fruit expression and a sophisticated mineral structure that adds complexity and dimension. The texture shows remarkable precision with a silky mouthfeel that maintains freshness throughout.
Finish: Clean and persistent with lingering red fruit and mineral notes that gradually fade, leaving a refreshing impression. The finish maintains impressive length with a subtle saline quality that enhances its versatility with cuisine.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Producer: Domaine la Colombe
Region: Côtes de Provence, France
Varietal Blend: Primarily Grenache and Cinsault with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre
Vintage: 2024
Alcohol: 13.0% ABV
Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel
Aging: 4-6 months on fine lees in stainless steel
Production: Limited production
Closure: Natural cork
VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2024 Domaine la Colombe Rosé sources from the estate's vineyards in the heart of Côtes de Provence, where the Mediterranean climate and unique soils create ideal conditions for producing elegant, balanced rosé wines. The vineyards feature classic Provençal terroir with calcareous clay soils, garrigue-covered hillsides, and significant diurnal temperature variations that maintain crucial acidity while developing aromatic complexity.
The 2024 growing season in Provence began with a mild, relatively dry winter followed by a warm spring that led to even flowering and fruit set. Summer brought classic Mediterranean conditions with abundant sunshine moderated by cooling maritime influences. These favorable conditions allowed for gradual ripening and excellent phenolic development while preserving the crucial freshness and delicate aromatics essential for premium rosé.
Harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation, the grapes were gently direct-pressed with minimal skin contact to achieve the wine's characteristic pale color and delicate flavor profile. Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks (55-58°F) preserved aromatic purity and vibrant fruit character. Following fermentation, the wine remained on its fine lees for several months with periodic gentle stirring to develop subtle textural complexity while maintaining freshness and vibrancy.
The winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the pure expression of Provençal terroir, creating a rosé that balances fruit expression with the mineral structure and subtle herbal nuances that define classic Côtes de Provence.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
- Mediterranean seafood dishes, particularly bouillabaisse and grilled fish
- Niçoise salad with seared tuna
- Provençal vegetable tart
- Fresh goat cheese with herbs
- Charcuterie featuring mild cured meats
- Grilled prawns with garlic and herbs
- Summer vegetable risotto
- Herb-roasted chicken
ABOUT DOMAINE LA COLOMBE
Established in the heart of Provence, Domaine la Colombe has built a reputation for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that exemplify the best qualities of this storied region. The estate embraces traditional Provençal winemaking while incorporating modern techniques that enhance precision and quality.
The domaine's name ("The Dove") reflects both the peaceful setting of the estate and the winery's philosophy of creating wines with gentle elegance rather than power or intensity. This approach is particularly evident in their rosé program, which focuses on capturing the subtle complexity and refreshing character that has made Provençal rosé the global benchmark for the style.
Working with classic Mediterranean varieties—primarily Grenache and Cinsault with smaller amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre—Domaine la Colombe creates a rosé that balances fruit expression with the herbal and mineral notes characteristic of authentic Provence. Their winemaking emphasizes gentle handling, temperature control, and minimal intervention to preserve the delicate aromatics and freshness that define premium rosé.
The estate practices sustainable viticulture, working in harmony with the region's natural biodiversity and Mediterranean ecosystem. Their approach in the vineyard focuses on maintaining low yields and achieving optimal ripeness while preserving crucial acidity and aromatic complexity.
INTERESTING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE
- While many commercial rosés are produced as an afterthought or through saignée (bleeding off juice from red wine fermentations), premium Provençal rosé is purpose-made through direct pressing specifically for rosé production—a method that produces the most refined, elegant expressions of the style.
- The pale salmon color that has become synonymous with Provençal rosé is achieved through extremely gentle, brief skin contact rather than extended maceration, focusing on aromatic extraction while minimizing phenolics that can create deeper color and heavier texture.
- The 2024 vintage represents one of the earliest releases globally for this vintage year, as rosé is typically bottled and released quickly after harvest to preserve its fresh character, making it one of the first glimpses into the quality of the vintage.
- The subtle garrigue influence—the wild herbs including thyme, rosemary, and lavender that grow throughout Provence—contributes to the distinctive aromatic complexity that separates authentic Provençal rosé from imitators from other regions.
- Côtes de Provence's Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine moderated by cooling maritime influences creates ideal conditions for rosé production, with sufficient ripeness for flavor development while maintaining the crucial acidity that gives the wines their refreshing character.
- While rosé has experienced tremendous global popularity in recent years, leading to increased production worldwide, Côtes de Provence remains the benchmark for quality and style, with producers like Domaine la Colombe maintaining a focus on tradition and authenticity despite market trends.
- The dominance of Grenache and Cinsault in the blend provides the wine's core red fruit character and delicate texture, while smaller additions of Syrah and Mourvèdre contribute subtle structure, spice, and complexity that add sophistication without heaviness.
