This wine displays a pale salmon colour. On the nose cantaloupe, watermelon and pears, among other fruits, can be detected. In the mouth refreshing, with a medium acidity and a pleasant taste that stays for a short while. Although it doesn’t give any revealing sensations, this wine is well balanced and definitely an enjoyable summer drink.
In the two years since I started posting on wines, this is my 133 review and the first one on a rosé wine. This in itself goes a long way in showing my interest in this type of wine, which in my view is neither fish nor fowl. Missing on the one side the substance of a red wine and on the other lacking the crispy freshness of a white wine.
On the other hand, this positioning itself in the middle, may be exactly the reason this kind of wine appeals to tastes that favour less pronounced characteristics.
Côte des roses is produced by Gérard Bertrand under the generic Languedoc denomination of southern France. The wine is made with Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes. Grenache and Syrah are well-known grapes, widely used to produce praiseworthy wines in the Rhône Valley in particular and in the Western Mediterranean basin in general.
Cinsault is part of the classic Southern Rhône blend as well. Being a grape that lacks structure, color and tannin, it is hardly produced as a varietal wine. At the same time, it is appreciated as part of blends for its perfume.
Cinsault is a high-yielding variety, tolerant of extremely hot, dry climates, which explains much of its success in North Africa and the Middle East. In 1925 Cinsaut was crossed with Pinot Noir to create what has become South Africa’s signature grape variety: Pinotage.
I bought this bottle at Coop for 11.50 CHF. Côte des Roses is a wine that celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle, with a special focus on marketing, starting from the base of the bottle that is shaped like a blossoming rose and the top sealed with a glass closure.
I tend to be biased against wines that overly focus on marketing, but I have to admit that this rosé made by Gérard Bertrand delivers good quality for the price.
Country: France
Region: Languedoc
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
Type: Rosé
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Gérard Bertrand
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5