B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
I can't recall the year precisely – 20 years ago, perhaps 25 – but I'll never forget my first exposure to southern French rosé. I was in Côte d'Azur – Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer to be specific – near the village of Bandol on France's southeast coast near Marseille. At the time, I was the typical red wine hound, always asking after the best wine of the region – no matter where I was stationed. I asked the waitress to bring us her favorite Bandol; I knew where I was and was looking forward to a bold, dynamic, Mourvedre-based beauty to start my adventures off right. Much to my surprise, this young lady appears table-side with a bucket; filled with a bit of ice, a bit of water – and something PINK! "Dear, I ordered Bandol – your finest." "Sir, this IS Bandol – our finest." That was when my love affair with all things pink from the south of France – began. And I've never looked back. Southern French rosé is as complex, thought provoking and diverse as any wine in that country. |