Chateau Romanin Les Baux de Provence 2004

Chateau Romanin Les Baux de Provence 2004 is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carbernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre, and as expected it is a deep colour with only some garnet to interrupt its ruby core ( this is a wine with some age - more garnet would have been expected), the beautiful rich aromas of dark cherry, milk chocolate and some dried fruits ( currant and sultana) hint at its age and quality.
On the palate the wine is dry but with abundant dark fruits and a minty dried fruit edge, the tannins are drying and gripping with a gum coating quality - and this was not expected in this age of wine - once more showing its ageability! The length was long and had a sweet dried fruit finish.
Château Romanin is located on the northern slope of the Alpilles, the mountain bordering the Mediterranean in Provence. There are some 58 hectares of vineyards on the property, made up of the usual southern French red and white varieties. It’s been certified biodynamic (with Demeter) since 1998.
A quality wine with much to offer, the price is £20.50 from Nicolas.
Score : 95

Béret Frog 2011 Rouge IGP Provence, France

Béret Frog 2011 Rouge IGP from Provence, France is a biodynamic red wine made by Jean-Pierre and Natalie Margan at Château la Canorgue ( where the film 'A good Year' was filmed ) and is a Vin de Pays de Mediterrannée. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and a splash of Grenache and the yield is a mere 30-35 hl/ha ( by comparison to the norm for this area of 60+hl/ha), and aromas of red and black berry fruits are in abundance along with coffee, milk chocolate and roses with a touch of vanilla. The deep ruby core has purple tints which hint at its youthfulness.The wines mature for 4 to 6 months in large wooden casks which allow very little wood aromas and flavours to be transferred to the wine.
On tasting it, the ripe fruits are apparent as are the stalky tannins which have a gripping texture, a medium length of warm ripe dark fruits finishes this tasting and leaves one wanting more.
The wine can be found at Yapp Brothers at a cost of £7.95 and offers good value I feel for a well made wine at this price point.
Score : 85

La Ramade Rosé 2010 Côtes de Provence France

La Ramade Rosé 2010 Côtes de Provence France is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grown traditionally on Bush vines with some trellising and there is minimium intervention of the growing system ( soil, chemicals etc), and made by Laurent Bunan. Pale salmon core welcomes you into this wine and creamy floral aromas and cooked nectarine with a touch of tangerine, all this is echoed on the palate with a hint of saltiness, carried through to the finish which is primarily tangerine and rose.
A lovely wine supplied by M&S at a price of £9.99 a bottle.
Score : 87

Clos Sainte-Magdeleine Rosé 2011 Provence France

Clos Sainte-Magdeleine Rosé 2011 Cassis ( normally famous for its whites) in Provence France by Yapp Brothers at £14.25, it is from  François Sack’s estate using the Provence grapes Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. It has an enticing salmon pink colour and aromas of tinned strawberries, nectarine, tangerine and honeysuckle flowers, these are softly echoed on the palate which is dry and has a medium length and a slightly salty finish. The alcohol (12.5%) is well integrated and the texture feels in the right place.

Score : 87

Camille Giroud Bourgogne Rose 2010

Camille Giroud Bourgogne Rose 2010 supplied by Berry Brothers at a cost of £13.50 was a pale garnet some may say salmon pink, darker than a Provence Rose, but clear. Aromas of red fruits with a herbal note lead to flavours of red berry fruits including strawberry and raspberry, the acidity keeps it fresh and the alcohol is well integrated. The texture lacks conviction and the wine feels sleek, linear and as if something is missing - the length is good and has fresh fruits to the end. Overall I feel that this is a fresh, simple wine made for drinking soon.


Bourgogne Rose is the title used for still rose wines produced under the generic Bourgogne appellation and the grapes can come from 4600 hectares which is practically the whole of the region. While Pinot Noir is the main grape, Pinot Gris is a secondary one and both Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are permitted varieties.