Well into a stretch of hot, summer-like weather now, a cold rosé seemed appropriate this evening. I tried the 2008 Clos Clémentine Côtes de Provence Rosé, made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Rolle. It's one of those very pale, orange-tinged rosé wines so typical of southern France. The grapes used are all familiar except Rolle, which is most closely associated with the tiny appellation Bellet, in the extreme east of the Côtes de Provence, in the hills above Nice. According to Jancis Robinson, it's appreciated for its aromatic qualities and for its comparatively high acidity even when grown in very hot conditions. Recently it's been increasingly planted also in the Languedoc and in Roussillon. Some sources identify Rolle with the Vermentino of fame in Sardinia.
The wine doesn't offer a lot on the nose, but it has some pleasant melon scents. Light but flavorful on the palate with a comparatively low level of acid and a touch of sweetness lingering on a moderately long finish. A nice hint of butterscotch at the very end adds a little complexity. A good, simple food wine for hot summer evenings. Light and pleasant, but not in any way a standout. Reasonably priced at $3.99 at Grocery Outlet.
I have no financial connection with any producer or retailer of wine.
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