The outermost boundaries of Rosé’s potential are starting to be pushed. No longer the sole preserve of Riviera and test-match quaffers, the very best Pinks these days offer that much-craved freshness together with something hitherto more elusive: complexity and terroir. For us this year’s most exciting Rosé release is a collaboration between Chêne Bleu and Pont des Arts: Vieilles Vignes ‘Réserve Spéciale’ 10th Anniversary.
The Rolet’s biodynamically-grown Chêne Bleu estate, high up in the wild and mountainous Dentelles de Montmirail in the Southern Rhône, has long been a favourite of Justerini & Brooks. Theirs is a meticulous and environmentally-friendly approach to producing wine from traditional varieties grown at its outer limits. They celebrate their tenth anniversary this year in style with the release of a breath-taking limited edition, old vines Rosé.
Read MoreTheir partner in this extreme venture is Pont des Arts. Created by dynamic young talents Thibault Pontallier and Arthur de Villepin, Pont des Arts has been curating limited edition Art & Wine collections since 2010, marrying the globe’s finest winemaking talent with the best of the art world. The latest releases are produced in conjunction Miquel Barceló and his fiery, powerful art.
And the wine itself?
This Rosé is a blend dominated by 65-year-old organically farmed Grenache with just a touch of Syrah, both grown at over 530 metres of altitude. The wine is full yet vital, boasting floral, fresh and exotic notes of ruby grapefruit, red berry, peach, mineral and a hint of strawberries and cream. A stunning Rosé that would be as enjoyable alfresco at lunch under the midday sun as it would be indoors on its own during the chillier late summer evenings. It has been produced in limited quantities – only 1,000 bottles and 480 magnums - and carries the bold painting by Miquel Barceló epitomising the essence of a Spanish bull: Sin título, 2011, XI.