2019 Chateau de Bellet Rose, Provence

2019 Château de Bellet Rosé from Provence is a graceful and distinctive wine that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean while showcasing the rare character of the tiny Bellet appellation. Perched high in the hills above Nice, Château de Bellet’s vineyards overlook the sea and sit on ancient pebble and sand soils known as poudingue. These elevated terraces, cooled by mountain breezes and warmed by the Côte d’Azur sun, produce rosé wines with purity, mineral tension and elegance that set them apart from the softer styles of coastal Provence.

The 2019 vintage offered excellent growing conditions, with a long, dry summer and cool nights that preserved freshness and aromatic precision. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino) and a touch of Braquet, a local variety unique to Bellet that brings floral lift and delicate spice. The grapes are hand harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation in stainless steel to preserve clarity and perfume. A short period on lees adds texture and mouthfeel, resulting in a wine that feels both vibrant and refined.

In the glass it glows pale coral with luminous pink reflections. The aroma is delicate yet expressive, showing wild strawberry, peach, rose petal and citrus blossom, with hints of herbs and sea salt. On the palate it is dry and elegant, offering flavours of red berries, grapefruit and white peach carried by crisp acidity and a gentle mineral backbone. The finish is long, clean and saline, perfectly reflecting the wine’s coastal origin and high-altitude freshness.

Château de Bellet Rosé 2019 pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes such as grilled prawns, Niçoise salad, ratatouille or fresh goat cheese. It is also superb with sushi, charcuterie or seafood pasta. Best enjoyed within five years of vintage, it is a rosé that combines finesse, aromatic lift and a distinctive sense of place.