Description
The AOC “Palette” is located in the heart of Provence, just a few kilometers east of Aix en Provence. The vineyard covers about fifty hectares strictly delimited on scree soils derived from the limestone of Langesse, mainly distributed on hillsides facing the famous Sainte Victoire mountain and benefiting from a particular microclimate.
The appellation concerns red and rosé white wines whose main grape varieties are: Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc for the whites, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault for the reds and rosés.
The harvest is manual and the vinification is compulsory in the delimited area.
The classification in AOC Palette by the decree of April 28, 1948 is the extension of the recognition of the INAO concerning the AOC “Château Simone” obtained by Jean ROUGIER on July 21, 1946.
Tasting Notes
From one of the grand old estates of Provence, the Palette Rose is a dark pink, copper-tinged rosé—a blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, plus 20% mixed “secondary” varieties, including Syrah, Castet, Manosquin, Carignan and various Muscats. From old vines grown on north-facing slopes, it’s nevertheless on the fuller side, with ample weight, richness and texture, fermented and aged in a combination of oak foudres and concrete eggs. Strawberry and raspberry fruit dominates, softened and rounded by the extended elevage that wine receives, yet still vibrant and compelling.
