Established near the banks of France’s Durance River back in 1443, Château de Vauclaire is surrounded by rolling hills, forests and abundant flora—a landscape that inspired the current mother-daughter proprietors, Adeline and Charlotte Sallier, to begin working organically. Their Chateau de Vauclaire Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé perfectly epitomizes the situation and setting, offering ultra-lush flavors of citrus, stone fruit and floral notes.

The château sits in an inland area of Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence that feels worlds away from the seaside estates many imagine of pink wine central. (It’s so verdant, in fact, that the area’s known widely as Provence Verte, or “Green Provence”.)

The property was entrusted to the Sallier family in 1775, and today, Adeline and Charlotte have been converting their 75 vineyard acres to organic production. From pruning to harvest, their goal is to accentuate the fruit and terroir, and to respect their ecosystem.

This wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon harvested at night to preserve freshness. Each variety is direct pressed, cold stabilized and vinified separately, allowing Charlotte, who takes lead in the cellar, to create a more harmonious final wine through blending.

The result is what the two call a “flamingo pink” pour that wafts aromas of white flowers, roses and just-off-the-vine peaches. More stone fruit flavors come to life on the generous palate, along with vibrant mandarin orange characteristics.

Delicious on its own, it would also be fantastic with everything from poached eggs to salad to grilled lamb—or even an apple tart. (For an authentic pairing, the Salliers recommend sipping it with pissaladière, a savory flatbread topped with caramelized onions, anchovies and olives.)

Small-production Provençal rosés like this—especially at such a reasonable price—are a real treat. Take advantage while our limited stocks last.