Provence France is known for producing quality rosé wines that are, for the most part, affordable. With so many options on the market, it can be intimidating to pick a rosé that’ll be delicious and at a price that won’t break the bank. I recently sampled two that just became available in New Jersey that are well-worth a try: Inspiration Rosé (shown below, at left) and UP Rosé (shown below, at right).
2017 Berne Inspiration Côtes de Provence Rosé
I was really impressed by this rosé: truly summer in a glass. It would be perfect as a summer sipper or paired with appetizers an outdoor party. And this wine received an 86 points from Wine Enthusiast, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Look: Pale peach-colored in the glass
Smell: Light strawberry/cherry aromas with some floral notes
Taste: Flavors of tart strawberries with some pomegranate notes
Texture and finish: Light, bone-dry wine on the finish with great acidity
Pairings: Light appetizers or fish, aperitif
Style: Rosé wine
Grape type(s): Grenache (70%) Cinsault (20%) Syrah (10%)
Region: Provence, France
Price: $19.99
2017 Urban Provence UP Rosé
Very food-friendly with richness and a creamy mouth-feel – just delicious. Lovely red berry/fruit and spiced notes make for a bit of a departure from other Provence rosé wines.
Look: Bright pink-colored in the glass. Comes in the most beautiful, intricately-etched bottle.
Smell: Fresh strawberry/raspberry aromas with some floral notes
Taste: Flavors of tart cherry with some floral and spiced notes
Texture and finish: Nicely balanced, medium-bodied, dry wine with nice levels of minerality and acidity
Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken or pork
Style: Rosé wine
Grape type(s): Grenache Noir (45%) Cinsault (35%) Syrah (15%) Rolle (5%)
Region: Provence, France
Price: $19.99
The wines are available at many locations across the state, including the following:
- Best Cellars, Ledgewood
- Chatham Cottage Deli and Liquors, Chatham
- Joe Canal’s
- Montville Wine & Spirits
- ShopRite (various locations)
- Village ShopRite, Cedar Knolls
For a full list of stores carrying these wines, visit Inspiration Rosé and UP Rosé online.
Happy drinking,
Veronique
Writer’s note: These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.