Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint Tropez
Part 8, in Selling Pleasure: the incredible success story of Provence rosé, with visits to some key producers

Since 1964 this has been a bottling and maturing coop for five domains in Saint Tropez, and five others. They vinify the wine, and it comes to the coop who then take care of the rest, including distribution.

We met with Liz Comte. 'Provence wines have changed a lot over the years for the best,' she says. 'The trend is for lighter rosés. Here in Saint Tropez, what you sell first is the colour: that's the priority.'

We see more domains launching high-end rosés,’ says Comte. ‘That would not have happened five years ago. Consumer attitudes have changed.’

THE WINES

Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint Tropez Carte Noire 2013 Côtes de Provence, France
Pale. Nice sweetly fruited, textured rosé with rounded body and nice fruitiness, and a hint of spice on the finish. 88/100

Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint Tropez Saint Roch-les-Vignes 2013 Côtes de Provence, France
Pale pink/orange colour. Lively, fruity and fresh with stony notes under the pleasant pear and spice fruit. Some warmth here. 86/100

Château de Pampelonne 2013 Côtes de Provence, France
From a 50 hectare property near Ramatuelle. Lovely ripe, textured rosé with sweet cherries and nice grapefruit notes. Bright and expressive with nice acidity. Stylish and elegant. 89/100

Château de Pampelonne Legende 2013 Côtes de Provence, France
Selection of the best parcels. This is the first vintage of this prestige cuvée. Concentrated and bold with nice texture and depth of flavour. Sweet pear, peach and spice. Full flavoured but still elegant with some melon notes and a warm spicy finish. 91/100

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