how provence rosé wine Is made: craft, technique and style

Provence rosé wine primarily comes from three grape varieties:

• Grenache: Imparts vibrant red fruit flavors and contributes to the wine's light, refreshing color, which is essential for the classic Provence rosé profile.

• Cinsault: It adds elegance and the characteristic delicate pink tint.

• Syrah: Provides structure, a subtle hint of spice, and enhances the overall complexity of the wine's flavor profile.

Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to balance sugar and acidity. Overripe grapes would darken the color and mute the freshness that defines Provence rosé wine.

Harvesting takes place early in the morning to preserve the grapes' natural acidity.

• When? Typically August to September.

• How? By machine or hand, depending on the vineyard.

  Goal: Pick grapes before they over ripen to maintain the pale rosé color and crisp acidity.
  

Provence rosé wine undergoes a brief period of skin maceration, lasting just 2 to 20 hours, where the juice is in contact with the grape skins. This short duration is carefully monitored to ensure that only the desired amount of color and flavor is extracted.

• Why so brief? Prolonged skin maceration would deepen the color and increase tannin extraction, resulting in the loss of the delicate pale rosé hue and the light, crisp character that distinguishes rosé wines.

Result: A light, elegant pink color complemented by fresh, fruity aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and subtle hints of citrus.

Once the skin maceration process is complete, the juice undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks maintained at cool temperatures ranging from 12 to 16°C. This careful temperature control is crucial as it helps to preserve the wine's delicate aromas, including the fresh scents of citrus, white flowers, and red berries. This fermentation process can last anywhere from one to three weeks, allowing the flavors to develop and mature fully, resulting in the characteristic profile of Provence rosé wine.

• Why stainless steel? Preserves the pure fruit flavors of Provence rosé wine.

• Why cool temps? Protects delicate aromas like citrus, white flowers, and red berries.

Duration: 1 to 3 weeks.

Provence rosé wine is rarely single-varietal. Winemakers skillfully blend Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah to achieve a balanced and nuanced profile. This careful blending process is essential to create the signature taste that defines Provence rosé. This meticulous blending ensures that each sip offers a delightful harmony of flavors, embodying the essence of the Provence region.

• Grenache → Fruitiness.

• Cinsault → Freshness and pale rosé color.

• Syrah → Structure.

The goal: A harmonious, crisp, and elegant wine that's unmistakably Provence rosé wine.

Before bottling, Provence rosé wine is subjected to rigorous quality checks to ensure excellence. These checks include a detailed filtration process to remove any impurities and ensure clarity. Additionally, the wine is assessed for its aroma, taste, and color to guarantee it meets the distinct characteristics expected of high-quality Provence rosé. These steps are crucial in maintaining the integrity and reputation of the wine, ensuring that each bottle reflects the region's celebrated winemaking tradition:

• Filtration removes impurities.

• Cold stabilization prevents tartrate crystals.

• Bottling under protective gas avoids oxidation, keeping the wine fresh.

Every bottle meets the high standards of pale rosé.

At Maison Saint Aix, the harmony of tradition and precision is evident. AIX Rosé is a testament to the region's deep-rooted expertise and commitment to quality, showcasing an unparalleled dedication to crafting wines that capture the essence of Provence.

• Sustainable viticulture respects the terroir.

• Gentle pressing ensures the pale rosé color.

• Precision blending creates a balanced, refreshing taste.

Our meticulous approach demonstrates that crafting exceptional rosé involves a careful and deliberate process, encompassing a variety of meticulous techniques and thoughtful decisions. This process is not merely about producing a beverage but rather about creating a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas. Each step, from selecting the finest grapes to determining the precise duration of skin contact, is executed with precision to ensure the final product achieves the desired balance and quality. This attention to detail highlights the artistry and expertise required in the winemaking process, setting truly great rosé like AIX Rosé apart from the rest.