The 2016 Rose Infinie Blanc, AOP Côtes de Provence

Some winegrowers have planted rose bushes at the ends of some of the vineyard rows. They do this to help as a warning for the presence of Oïdium (Powdery mildew). Some believe the fungal disease spreads to rose bushes before grapevines. Perhaps more revealing is the romance associated with the rose and the romance of wine. Rose Infinie  wines capitalize on the romantic notion with the following quote on their bottles,

“I will pick the Rose
At the foot of the vine
And I will offer it to you
As a symbol of our infinite love.”

We had the opportunity to sample two of Rose Infinie wines, a white and a red. The bottles are elegant with a unique punt on the bottom. The label is simple with the image of a rose and the name Rose Infinie and the AOP Côtes de Provence.

The 2016 Rose Infinie Blanc, AOP Côtes de Provence was a light yellow color and was a blend of Rolle (Vermentino), Clairette and Ugni Blanc grapes.The 13.4% alcohol wine had a predominant citrus aroma. The taste included citrus, peach, pineapple and mineral. The finish was crisp and fruity. We paired this wine with different cheeses. The Manchego cheese was an excellent match for this wine. The suggested price for this wine is $14.94.

2015 Rose Infinie Rouge, AOP Côtes de Provence

The 2015 Rose Infinie Rouge, AOP Côtes de Provence was a blend of Syrah, Vieux Carignan and Mournèdre. The opaque ruby colored wine offered red and black fruits on the aroma. The taste was reminiscent of cherry, spices, leather and licorice. The wine had a smooth mouthed, full body and medium/bold tannins. The finish was fruity yielding to oak influences. This wine was paired with meatball sandwiches. The meatballs were cooked in a crockpot in a chili sauce base. The suggested price for this wine is $14.63.

The vineyards for these wines are in the Vallée de l’Arc near Aix-en-Provence. This area of Southeastern France has had vineyards for thousands of years. The soil consists of limestone, clay and red sandstone. The vines receive abundant sunshine and are influenced by the Mistral wind that helps keep the vines dry and fungus at bay.

You do not have to pay high prices for French wines. The Côtes de Provence area has many producers of affordable wines.

Cheers,
Terry