Weekend Brunch Starts with Rosé from Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

It may be winter, but fresh and bright wines from sun-swept Provence are on my table. This month the Winophiles, a group of Francophiles who love wine, food and travel, are focusing their research and writing on the wines of this beautiful region in the south of France. Each has chosen a topic relating to a specific appellation, wine or food for pairing – links to their inspiring articles are found below.

Having visited Provence a couple of years ago (and driven through the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence on a trip from Marseilles to Arles), I wanted to learn more about this appellation that I briefly experienced. What I discovered is that rosé wines, regardless of age, from the area are a perfect complement to an eclectic brunch menu. Cheers to that!

Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Located towards the most western part of Provence, the vineyard appellation of Coteaux d’Aix en Provence was recognized as an AOC in 1985. It spreads from the Durance River to the Mediterranean Sea and from the Rhone Valley (west) to Sainte-Victoire Mountain (east). It also embraces the Etang de Berre and cuts a swath through the landscapes painted by Cezanne.

Soils in this area are of stony clay and limestone, sand (often gravelly on molasse and sandstone) or stony with a clay or loamy/sand mix. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by the Mistral, cold and dry winds blowing from the north. With an annual average of 2900 hours of sunshine and scant rain falling mainly during the spring and autumn months, a variety of grapes thrive.

In Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, we can find 73 independent growers and 12 cooperatives producing an average of 32 million bottles per year – 86% of the total is rosé , 8% is red and 6% is white. Red wines are robust and easy drinking – Counoise, Mourvedre and Syrah are most prevalent with Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan as minor varieties cultivated. White wines of Rolle (also known as Vermentino, the primary white variety), Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourbalenc, Semillon and Ugni Blanc are fresh and aromatic.

Let the Provençal Brunch Begin!

Just recently, I was sent (as samples) two rosé wines from Coteaux d’Aix en Provence. I found each not only food friendly and flavorful at brunch, but a terrific value. With each sip, I was reminded of a glorious ten days in the region not that long ago…

From vintage year 2020, Château Barbebelle Cuvèe Madeleine Rosé (about $15) is of 50% Grenache along with 20% Cinsault and 30% Syrah cultivated on lands originally planted by the Romans. Chateau Barbebelle is one of the oldest vineyards in Aix en Provence and is now the “stronghold of the Herbeau family,” now in its 4^th generation. Grenache in the blend offers elegance and finesse while the Syrah and Cinsault give the wine intense floral aromas and flavors of lush raspberries, currant and juicy pears. For brunch, pair this young wine with scrambled eggs with asparagus (click here for the recipe) and a warm goat cheese salad with spiced bread (click here for the recipe).

An age-worthy rosé? Mais oui! Also known as rosé de garde (“rosé to keep”), aged rosés from reputable producers pair beautifully with a variety of cuisines and flavor profiles. As an example, Château Vignelaure Rosé 2014 ($19) of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon was a brilliant accompaniment with a weekend brunch that included spring tart (click here for the recipe) and squash and goat cheese pie (click here for the recipe). Produced from hand-harvested grapes from old vines, I found a savory, rich and complex wine that was rife with fruit and herbal notes. Originally established by Georges Brunet, former owner of Bordeaux third growth Château La Lagune, in the 1960, Château Vignelaure is now owned by Bengt and Mette Sundstrom, a couple from Sweden who “fell in love with the place while looking for a retirement home in the south of France.”

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more food and wine inspiration, join me on AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provence cruise along the Rhône River from April 7-14, 2022. Together, our group will wine, dine and explore this beautiful part of the world. Click here for the luxurious details.

Sip wine from Provence while you enjoy the following articles from my Winophiles colleagues.

• A Red Wine from Provence? Yes, meet Bandol; a New Old Wine paired with a Slow Cooked Goulash from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• The Art of Miraval in Provence and a Lovely Drunken Seafood Stew from Our Good Life
• Bandol – A Provençal Red for the Winter Table from Food Wine Click!
• Embrace Rosé de Garde, Age-Worthy Provençal Wine here on L’Occasion
• A Provençal Wine for Winter: Domaine La Suffrene Rouge on Avvinare
• Rosé all year with Côtes de Provence on Wining with Mel
• Pasta au Gratin + Ste. Venture Aix en Provence Rosé on Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• A Different Perspective from Provence: Chateau Vignelaure Coteaux D’Aix on Wine Predator…Gwendolyn Alley