First to know is the produce rose red grapes only will be used.
There are two ways of producing rose:
Skin contact:
Black skin grapes are crushed and the skin is then allowed to be in contact with the juice for a short period of time. it can be from two to three days. the must is then pressed to extract all the juice from the tank which will stop the coloration of the juice.
Pale rose/ short contact with skin
Pale rose are usually using this way.
The second way is the Saignee (Bleeding):
It is the same process as to produce red wine, up to the maceration of the must, after 5 to 24 hours (depending of the colour desired) the juice will be separated and fermented separately.
Chateau Pennautier 2014, Cabardes ,South West
A bit of family history first. It all started in 1620 during the reign f Louis XII, Bernard de Pennautier was the treasurer of the States of Languedoc and laid the first stone of the resent Castle. Eight generation later, the last Pennautier married Christian de Largaril, a gentleman from Britain. The family at Chateau Pennautier was already harvesting and producing wine. But while the Largaril commenced had in hand with the Languedoc Roussillon they began the renovation in 1980.. It is in 1987 when Nicolas Largaril took over his parents that the wine popularity started with the help of his wife.
Let's talk about the wine:
Grapes: Malbec 33 %, Syrah 34 %, Grenache 33%.
The Cabardès Controlled Appellation soil stretches itself at the South of the Massif Central, on the sunny hillocks of Montagne Noire. It is composed of clay and limestone, which optimizes sun exposure and favours the expression of the aromas.
The wine has a salmon color. The nose is fresh and lively with hints of red fruits, red berries, raspberry and blackcurrant. The palate has a lot of red berries mentioned on the nose and nice minerality. This rose has a delightful freshness. and a dry, elegant finish.
Tavel, Domaine du Prieure 2010 , Rhone Valley
Tavel is a wine growing AOC in the southern Rhone Valley. Across the Rhone river from Chateauu Neuf Du Pape and just just North of Avignon. It only makes Rose wine and have a minimum alcohol content of 11%..
Philippe IV, during his travel around his kingdom, passed by Tavel. The citizen of the city offered him a glass of it. When hi finished the glass he said " This wine is the best of the Wold!" by Louis XVI which loved it too and helped making its fame by bringing t at court.
Tavel received the AOC in 1936 when the system was established and introduced.
Grapes: Grenache / Cinsaut (often added syrah and mourvedre)
The method used is Bleeding (Saignee)
The nose is full of berries such as strawberry, cranberry, with a lovely minerality. The palate is absolutely lovely it is rich but with a certain smoothness and freshness from the minerality, you will find the same berries but cranberry will be more pronounced..
Quick note for those two wines food is all open, you can have meat, fish and cheeses but light bloomy cheese such as a fresh Brie de Melun or Brillat Savarin and Cabri d'ici for a fresh goat cheese.