It smells of the Mediterranean and fields of lavender. Imagine the bridge at Avignon and dream of dancing on it, a glass of rosé in your hand…. Particularly in a country like ours where, even in the outlying areas, springtime brings lobster and rosé wines….

You might say that Provence is the land of rosé. This region of France represents close to 30 per cent of the world production of rosé wines. While some big reds originate here, produced in Bandol, rosé wines dominate the market with more than 80 per cent of sales. These are pressed rosés, generally without a maceration period – a wine-making process which creates wines pale in colour, light and fresh. Within this genre, Vieux château d’Astros provides delicate aromas of red berries with citrus notes. This is a thirst-quenching wine to drink well chilled!

In the western part of Provence, in the Vallée du Rhône, La cuvée Buti Nages of Michel Grassie is voluptuous in the mouth, with nice body on notes of pomegranate. Cultured organically and yet affordably priced. Pairs well with bruschetta or salmon tartare.

A rosé that’s good with a big meal…

With a platter of red bell peppers stuffed “à la Provençale” or with a paella, the Bandol appellation in Provence provides rosés with astonishing aromatic complexity. Around $30 for sensations of both lightness and strength, thanks to the mourvèdre grape, the royalty of this appellation. Wonderful flavours. The château Canadel is a favourite, but hurry, because there’s very little left!

Finally, to go with our home-grown tastes…

A first bitter aperitif made in Quebec, the Amermelade. Concocted from sweet gale (aka bog myrtle, meadow fern), sea buckthorn and staghorn sumac. It’s bitter, but less so than Apérol. In it you taste marmalade, ginger and peach. A nice success to add a Quebec touch to your cocktails.

Take advantage of the warmer weather and dare to dream with a rosé in your hand!

Vieux château d’Astros 2017 SAQ 10790843   $17.40
Buti Nages 2017 SAQ 427625 $14.55
Amermelade SAQ 13516065 $29.95
Château Canadel, Bandol 2016 SAQ 13514861 $31.50