The Bieler Père et Fils “Sabine” is produced in the very heart of Provence, an ideal location for growing grapes. The wine was hand-crafted by master winemaker Charles Bieler, who has been turning out consistently high-quality cuvées at Château Routas for more than a decade and is one of the brains behind the hugely successful Three Thieves wine company in California.

This rosé is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 10% Cinsault. The grapes were harvested in mid-September. A short three day period after the grapes were pressed, the wine was separated from the grape skins, leaving a trace of the skin’s color and the supple richness suggestive of a red wine. Because the tannins and color in red wine comes from the grapes’ skin, the short term contact with the skins adds only part of the color and richness of a red wine. The lack of tannins allows the wine to be released young, like a white wine.

The color of this rosé is a beautiful salmon. The wine shimmers in the glass with aromas of watermelon, rose petals and strawberries that continue into the palate. The mouthfeel is round and soft with modest acidity on the finish. While some more traditional Provence rosés tend toward a leaner profile with high acid on the finish, Bieler is blended for a more generous mid-palate and softer finish. An ideal wine to serve as an aperitif, with lighter chicken dishes, or a hearty salad.

—Donald