Anyone else scrambling yesterday? 71 and sunny... where is that bottle of rose? Aaaggghhh...

Well, as luck, fate, karma and kismit would have it, our first shipment of Provence rose arrived a month early to the warehouse yesterday... and it is en route to our store this morning. Just in time for you to grab some this afternoon... and promptly camp out on your porch! And not just any Provence rose, but one of the benchmark producers!

The Commanderie de Peyrassol has been the benchmark for Provence rosé for decades. Yes, long before angels whispered and Hollywood power couples like Brangelina got in the game with creatively named labels in fancy packaging the French were guzzling Peyrassol like it was, well, rosé! The Commanderie de Peyrassol was founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. Grapes have been cultivated and wine has been made on this historic property ever since. It's likely that even centuries ago a simple form of rose with light skin contact was produced here and was consumed by pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. Today of course Peyrassol has perfected rosé production as an art form, taking these pure pink beauties to near perfection. The property sits on the Massif des Maures and spans 850 hectares in the Var region north of St Tropez. There are groves of olive trees and ancient oaks, and 93 hectares of vineyards planted in limestone and clay soils at 1000 ft in elevation. Up to 10 different grape varieties are farmed organically on these terraced slopes, but it's Grenache and Cinsault that form the core of these two gorgeous rosés.

We are the only retailers online this far ahead of the curve offering 2020!!!

NOTE: THERE ARE TWO WINES BEING OFFERED

Commanderie de Peyrassol

Cuvée des Commandeurs Rosé, AOC Provence 2020

Sale $21.99

If over $20 a bottle is more than you used to paying for rosé let me explain why this one is worth every penny and it's not because Bon Jovi made it (yes, he's in the game now too). You see really this rosé is twice the wine. Drink it straight out of the fridge and it's delicious. With blood orange zest aromas, wild cherry, fresh rocky minerals and zippy acidity its irresistible. But let it warm 5-10 degrees, close your eyes, take a sip. "Am I drinking a light red wine of a white?" That is after all what truly great rosé does, it challenges your senses. The aromas and flavors expand with raspberry and gooseberry too. There's a silkiness on the palate, with strawberry and cream notes enhanced by a delicate touch of minerality and a long finish. Here's a rose that will stand up to a meal. Grilled salmon, beef tartare, or a beet and goat cheese salad would be great. 40% G.renache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 10% Rolle

Commanderie de Peyrassol 

La Croix de Peyrassol Rosé, IGP Méditérranée Rosé 2020

Sale $15.99

I tasted this for the first time yesterday, a relatively new cuvee from Peyrassol, and what a treat it is too! 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Syrah. If the Commanderie above is your wine to contemplate and admire, then here's your porch pounder! Sure you could pair it with a meal, but trust me unless you open it at the dinner table it'll be gone before you start eating. Some might say "quaffable" I'll just say crushable! The Viognier adds beautiful peach and apricot notes and wild flower aromas too. There's a juiciness to the palate that’s packed with honeysuckle, melon, citrus and wild berries, and freshness from a slightly saline mineral finish that keeps things nice and dry. A pure delight in the glass, this is an impressive Provençal-style at an exceptional price.


Or reply. The wine is available NOW in Chapel Hill. and after 5 pm in Hillsborough, as ordered.