2023 Domaine Les Fouques Cuvée L’Aubigue Rosé, Provence

A more gastronomic style here, differentiated by around two days’ maceration, as opposed to the predominantly direct-press style of Cuvée Tradition, but the extra layers don’t get in the way of refreshment factor, in our view the most critical attribute for rosé.

Aromas of citron, lemon oil, rosemary and thyme, with peaches and apricots, against a bittering quinine/botanical/gin and tonic evocative thread.  Greater palate density and intensity than the Cuvée Tradition, with a finish equally defined by phenolics as mineral.  An excellent contender for tasting menu pairing with virtually unlimited food matching potential from vegetables, cheeses, seafood, light to medium meats and even a savoury pairing for fruit based desserts.

Biodynamic viticulture is of surprising rarity in the Provence region given the ideal sunny and windy conditions; one outstanding practitioner is the tiny property of Domaine les Fouques, run by Yves Gros, with the wine made by daughter Christelle. Guinea fowl and chickens are also farmed here. At a mere 17 hectares and in a stunning setting, a visit here offers a somewhat mystical quality.