Grande Provence Rosé 2014

Wine of Origin:  Franschhoek

Winery Location:  Franschhoek

Winemaker: Karl Lambour

Background: It was a glorious summer’s day and we had been invited to experience a selection of dishes from Chef Darren Badenhorst’s new menu at Grande Provence for the upcoming season. It was also an opportunity for General Manager and cellarmaster Karl Lambour to introduce us to his “new release” wines, one of which was a rosé. This is the first time Grande Provence has launched a rosé under its signature label. The wine is made in the typical classic, crisp and dry Provençal style from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from Franschhoek vineyards.

“After a visit to Provence [in southern France], Alex van Heeren, the owner of Grande Provence, fell in love with their dry style rosé wines. One thing led to another and we decided to create one of our own,” says Karl who attributes the fruit forward character of this wine to be from the ideal climate Franschhoek offers.

“We used our very best Merlot and Cabernet grapes and bottled the wine early to present a fresh, uncomplicated style,” explains Lambour.

Result: Magnificent pale onion skin in colour. The wine offers delicate flavours of strawberries and apple with subtle whiffs of warm earth leading to a crisp, dry finish.

When to drink: now until 2016

Drink with what: We enjoyed it with Darrens Tuna carpaccio, with avocado emulsion, yuzu caviar, iced baby radish salad and citrus wasabi.

Expect to pay: R85.00

To order this wine, email Wine Concepts