Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Côtes de Provence Vidaubannaise
Part 7, in Selling Pleasure: the incredible success story of Provence rosé, with visits to some key producers

This is a large, old-style co-operative that produces 26 000 hectolitres per year, with 125 members. The winery building is large, old, and only parts of it are currently used. It’s a bit spooky, actually.

50% of sales are in bulk to trading companies, such as regional buyers in France. Export markets are currently increasing because the French market is flat. The principle markets are USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Bulgaria. Interestingly, the UK and USA only want the classic skittle shape bottle, which works well in export markets. This bottle costs 30-40 cents a piece.

Altogether the co-op produces 19 different brands, a diversity forced on them by the wishes of their customers. The wines are well made and consistently good.

THE WINES

Roubertas 2013 Cotes de Provence, France
Orange/pink colour. Lively and fresh with nice cherry fruit, some texture and nice presence, with a bit of pear fruit. 87/100

La Bastide du Curé 2013 Cotes de Provence, France
This is a lieu dit on special soils and it is shared among many growers. Fresh and lively with nice citrus fruit, some pear. Good texture. Pleasant and bright. 87/100

Domaine du Blaïs 2013 Cotes de Provence, France
Aromatic and lively with fresh, zippy grapefruit, lemon and subtle herb notes. Nice precision and fruit intensity. 88/100

PROVENCE ROSÉ:
Introduction
Jas d'Esclans
Domaine de Fontlade
Mirabeau
Château Pigoudet
Château Gassier
Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Côtes de Provence Vidaubannaise
Minuty
Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint Tropez

Wines tasted 09/14