Château Val d'Arenc - Bandol Rosé 2022 (1.5L)
Gérald Damidot's new home is one of the top terroirs in all of Bandol. Situated in the mountain pass, Quartier Val d'Arenc, Château Val d'Arenc is comprised of 25 hectares of vines with perfect western exposure, capturing all the rays of the setting sun. The vineyards are divided into 30 plots on a hill known as Beausset-Vieux, in clay-limestone soils interspersed with marl and fossils. Since Gérald took over, he has changed many of the practices in the vineyard with the goal of becoming totally organic. All the work is done manually: de-budding, canopy management, working the soil and harvesting. The meticulous work done in the vineyard is mirrored in Gérald's attention to detail in the cellar. His tireless dedication and extensive study have propelled the quality of his wine far past other wineries who have been in business for decades. It should come to no one's surprise that he was born, raised and educated in Burgundy!
The Château Val d'Arenc Rosé is the perfect year-round rosé — ideal for enjoying not only those warm, sunny days but also cold, snowy ones. This rosé, a blend of 80% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and 10% Cinsault, shimmers a gorgeous, bright pink in the glass. The nose is fresh, yet delicate, with soft notes of strawberry and white peach. On the palate, the attack is mouth-filling, packed with pure fruit. These fruit flavors become focused on the mid-palate, supported by a beautiful combination of fine minerality and gentle acidity. The finish goes on forever, accented with a touch of white pepper. Bandol rosé and bouillabaise is a match made in heaven, however it is also delicious with garlic-marinated shrimp, pissaladière (Provençal onion pizza) or paella. And while this rosé is extremely versatile when it comes to food pairing, it is just as delicious on its own.
