As summer approaches, I’m looking forward to the weather getting warmer, days longer and lounging on a terrace with a glass of rosé wine. Not just any rosé, mind you. I’m very particular about my pink drink, favoring Provençal rosés, and one in particular from the southern coast of Provence.
François Fournier purchased the island of Porquerolles – one of the îles d’Or (golden islands) or “Golden Isles” in Hyères – in 1910 after making a considerable fortune discovering silver, and he and his wife Sylvia planted several hundred acres of vines. Today the vineyard is run by their descendant, Sebastien Le Ber and produces the AOC Côtes de Provence appellation wine, Domaine de I’lle.
Though red and white wine are also produced the vineyard, it is the rosé – 70% of the vineyard’s annual output – that is the belle of the ball, and understandably so.
The blush-colored wine is made up of Grenache, cinsault, mourvedere and the local Tibouren grape, all of which are grown especially for the rosé.
Its light body and delicate flavors pair nicely with salads, chicken, or with fresh seafood that is so plentiful on Porquerolles. I also like to drink this rosé on its on. It’s the perfect aperitif on a hot summer’s day.
Are you a fan of rosé wines?
