Rose et Or Rosé 2020

Rose et Or comes exclusively from the original estate vineyard, a half mile from the ocean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The quality of this location has always been evident, as the estate was one of the original 18 classified growths in Provence.

The vineyard is heavily influenced by the marine proximity, with the afternoon winds bringing dryness and cool air. The mica schist soils contribute a notable minerality and are oriented to the southwest, allowing for full ripeness throughout the property.

In addition to the trademark Grenache, which the family have been pioneers in the region for emphasizing, Rose et Or has a small proportion of Cinsault. Native to the South of France, this varietal is known to produce fresh and aromatic rosé wines.

Finally, the Minuty family is proud of their strong commitment to sustainable viticulture. They quickly achieved the French government’s High Environmental Value certification for the estate’s biodiversity, farm management to limit inputs, and broader commitment to limiting environmental impact. All their vineyards have long been grown without the use of chemicals.

As with all Minuty wines, fruit is handpicked. Just as important, they time the picking with their pressing, so that when the grapes are picked and brought over to the winery, they immediately go to the press, protected by carbonic gas. Grapes are chilled, and as for 281 and Prestige, they only take the free run juice, around 65-70% of the total volume. Alcoholic fermentation is at cool temperature and lasts around 3 weeks. There is no malolactic fermentation. Selection and blending are done around the end of November.

The 2020 vintage saw a particularly warm winter causing an early growing season. Frost in March has impacted the overall production, but the consequent natural low yields have resulted in great concentration of the berries producing wines with exceptionally rich aromas. The frost contributed also in slowing down the growing cycle allowing moderate sugar concentration and lower alcohol (around 12.5%) while harvesting at full phenolic ripeness. The result is one of the best vintages in recent years, expressive and marked by a delightful freshness, signature of Minuty rosés.

A pale color with crystal reflections. Very intense citrus fruit and white flower aromas. In the mouth, complex with an intense freshness and finesse, with notes of pink grapefruit and white peach.