There’s just something about rosé that invites in the fun! Perhaps it’s its pale pink hue which is a bit flirty and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Regardless, despite the rain, the Mondrian Park Avenue’s rooftop terrace bar still enticed with a selection of Provençal rosés from Château de Berne and Ultimate Provence on Thursday evening.
The former winery sits on a 1,235-acre estate and has been producing wine since 1776, with roots that date back to the Romans, and is home to a Relais et Chateau hotel. Despite having vineyards that were planted in 1956, the latter is a more recent addition to the Provençal scene, with its state-of-the-art, hospitality destination estate (think winery, hotel, tasting bar, restaurant, fitness center and concept store), making its debut this summer.
From romance and inspiration to a rosé for all seasons
The three wines being poured provided a range of drinking options from a poolside quaffer (Romance) to a classic style rosé (Inspiration) and a more serious pink performer capable of pairing with sturdier fare.
In conversation with Bob Gaudreau, CEO of Provence Rosé Group, we spoke about the food-friendly nature of rosés and, in particular, their ability to match well at Thanksgiving dinner. He was especially bullish about pairing the Ultimate Provence wine with dark meat turkey.
Produced from younger vines at lower elevations, the Château de Berne Romance IGP Mediterannée ($14.99) is an easy to drink, fruit-forward option, getting color, structure and flavors from the inclusion of 15% Merlot, which is not permitted in the AOP wines.
With slightly more substance and structure, Château de Berne Inspiration AOP Côtes de Provence 2018 ($20.00) brings together 50% Grenache Noir, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah and is made by the same winemaker, Alexis Cornu.
Finally, also produced by Cornu, the Ultimate Provence UP Rosé 2018 Côtes de Provence ($21.99) offers up less fruit and more mineral and spice characteristics, with good acidity and structure, making it a welcome addition at the dinner table.
Provence Rosé Group has teamed up with Park Mondrian to present a Rosé Terrace to give consumers an opportunity to become better acquainted with these wines in a festive setting that puts the emphasis squarely on the wines. They have also partnered with Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, NY to create a similarly-themed Rosé Garden. Either location is a lovely environment in which to sit back, relax and enjoy some rosé!