2025 Clos Ste Magdeleine Cassis Rose, Provence

Clos Sainte Magdeleine is one of the jewels of the Provençal coast, its vineyards clinging to limestone terraces above the Mediterranean at Cassis. The Sack Zafiropulo family has cared for the domaine for four generations, with Jonathan Sack now leading the estate. Farming is organic and production remains tiny. While Cassis is particularly celebrated for its whites, the rosé carries the same unmistakable combination of limestone, sea air and Mediterranean character.

The vineyards sit almost impossibly close to the water, with brilliant sunshine moderated by cooling maritime breezes. Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre shape the rosé, grown on limestone soils that help preserve freshness through the warm Provençal summer. The 2025 is pale and elegant but not anonymous, with delicate fruit, savoury herbs and that salty coastal edge giving it far more personality than simple poolside pink.

Pale salmon with copper flashes. Wild strawberry, white peach and pink grapefruit lead into redcurrant and blood orange. Fresh fennel, citrus blossom and subtle herbs sit underneath, with a distinctly marine note adding interest. The palate is dry and finely textured, combining juicy red berries with bright citrus acidity. Grapefruit peel, gentle spice and salinity carry through the clean, persistent finish.

Grilled prawns with saffron, garlic and lemon would be wonderful, while charred octopus with white beans, tuna niçoise, red mullet with fennel or zucchini flowers filled with ricotta could happily turn a bottle into a long lunch. Somewhere overlooking the Mediterranean would obviously improve matters, but the backyard will have to do.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030.