2025 Clos Sainte Magdeleine Rose,Cotes de Provence

Clos Sainte Magdeleine is one of the most distinctive family domaines on the Provençal coast, with the Sack Zafiropulo family farming here for four generations and Jonathan Sack now leading the estate. Their historic home is Cassis, where vineyards tumble down limestone terraces towards the Mediterranean. This Côtes de Provence bottling extends the family’s beautifully precise rosé style beyond Cassis while keeping that unmistakable southern French sense of sunshine, herbs and sea air.

The 2025 is built around classic Provençal varieties, shaped by a warm Mediterranean climate and cooling coastal influence. The emphasis is on delicacy and freshness rather than sweetness or weight. There is plenty of juicy fruit, but also the savoury detail and dry, gently saline character that separates serious Provence rosé from anonymous pale pink.

Very pale salmon with silver highlights. Wild strawberry, white peach and redcurrant lead into pink grapefruit and blood orange. Citrus blossom, fresh fennel and a whisper of dried herbs add detail. The palate is crisp and finely textured, with delicate red berries and stone fruit carried by bright acidity. Grapefruit peel and subtle spice tighten the finish, leaving it dry, refreshing and lightly saline.

Grilled prawns with lemon, garlic and saffron would disappear rapidly alongside, while tuna crudo with capers, zucchini flowers filled with ricotta, grilled red mullet or tomatoes with burrata and basil keep things resolutely Mediterranean. Add crusty bread, good olive oil and nowhere important to be for the rest of the afternoon.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030.