Saint-Tropez—the very name brings to mind beautiful beaches filled with beautiful people, the tropical Mediterranean sun shining down, drink in hand. A glass of rosé perhaps? Food and drink have that rare ability to transport us to far-flung locales, letting us immerse ourselves if only for a brief time in another place, another culture. So let’s fill our glass, close our eyes, and take a trip to Provence, the home of Minuty Rosé.
Though it may seem as if Minuty has only recently come into vogue on the rose scene, the name has existed in Provence for at least 150 years with the construction of the familial chateau during the reign of Napoleon III. However, it was not until the 20th century that the land would be used for winemaking, quickly becoming one of only 23 classified growths in Provence.
Today, Minuty has its eye on the future. In terms of investing in the environment, the estate avoids herbicides and artificial fertilizers, preferring to leave the work of both to the sheep and goats which you’ll find freely roaming. And while many organic estates need still worry about the occasional gust of pesticide from a neighboring farm, Minuty is bordered by a protected woodland zone, helping to create a buffer against contamination. With such love for their land and an incredible location on the St. Tropez peninsula, it comes as no surprise that Minuty would want to show off! They’ve recently completed renovations on their facilities, both in terms of winemaking and in welcoming visitors to see firsthand what it means to make a Provence rosé.
After tasting the 2016 Minuty Rosé Cuvee M, don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a visit yourself! While some Provence rosés are fairly mineral focused, I was surprised by the added fruit richness of this wine. With strawberry, tangerine, and a mouth-filling feel, the Minuty Cuvee M offers more than a wine at $17.95 should! This wine would be fantastic both at the poolside or picnic as well as paired with food. Shrimp would be a natural pairing as would the classic Provence vegetable dish soupe au pistou. With the herbalness of the basil and the oil of the dish, this wine would be a perfect off-set.
Summer is sure to only heat up from here, so stock up while you can on this fantastic value of a refreshing rosé! We have very limited quantity remaining in our inventory, so act quickly!