The Commanderie de Peyrassol, a winery founded in 1256 by the Knight's Templar, has been producing wine continuously. Francois Rigord brought the winery to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, expanding the varietals grown. In 2001, Philippe Austruy took over, modernizing the facilities while maintaining the winery's historical roots. Today, Peyrassol practices organic farming, restricts yields, and upholds the values of hospitality and generosity, creating renowned wines enjoyed worldwide.
This Côtes de Provence rosé, produced by Peyrassol, showcases the estate's style with intense fruitiness and delicacy. Made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Rolle grapes, it combines estate-grown fruit with carefully selected grapes from neighboring organic vineyards. The 2023 vintage faced initial drought concerns but benefited from timely rainfall and a hot summer, leading to accelerated ripening. Night harvesting and temperature-controlled vinification in stainless steel tanks preserve the wine's freshness and acidity. The resulting pale pink wine offers aromas of wild berries and juniper, with a lively palate featuring exotic citrus notes. This harmonious and refreshing rosé, at 12.5% alcohol, provides an excellent introduction to the Peyrassol range.
Deep, glistening amber-pink in the glass, the 2023 Rosé Les Commandeurs is expressive and especially pretty, with an engaging bouquet of ripe pear, honeysuckle, baked apple and sweet spices. Well-proportioned, it strikes a fine balance of suppleness, juiciness and grip, propped up against a backdrop of typical Provençal salinity. All this is missing is some depth through the mid-palate—it's just a little ethereal. A pleasant vanilla nuance shows up right at the tail end, rendering this a little creamier than expected. Lovely. This is a fine effort.