Chateau Routas is located in the heart of Provence in the Var departement, equidistant from the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast and the foothills of the Alps.
The estate and vineyards are surrounded by tiny medieval villages that cling to steep cliffs and overlooks miles of spectacular hillsides, woods and rivers.
In 2005 Scotland’s Sir David Murray took ownership, ushering in a new era for Chateau Routas.
The winery is therefore now owned by the Murray family and sustainably farmed.
The property covers over 600 acres (242 hectares) of which 135 acres are planted in vineyards creating a mosaic throughout the rocky, heavily wooded terrain, in an unspoiled, high-elevation sector of Provence.
Some vineyard sites have soils that are red as crushed brick, while others consist of crumbly grey limestone mixed with pockets of iron-rich, red clay and stones, that reflect the hot summer sun.
The elevation/altitude at around 1300 feet (182 meters) is among the Coteaux Varois appellation’s highest, providing cool nights that slow the ripening of the grapes, contributing fresh notes, good color and complexity. It also involves harvest dates that are up to a month later than other estates.
The winery produces a range of wines of varied colors including a Viognier-base white wine (85% Viognier and 15% Chardonnay), a red blend based on local red grape varieties (Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon), as well as the rosé as detailed below.
Château Routas Domaine’s Essential Facts
Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Cinsault, Chardonnay
Average Yields: 38 hectolitres/hectare
Farming practices/Viticulture: Sustainably farmed (lutte raisonnée)
Annual Production: 240,000 bottles
Learn about Provence Rosé Wines in the Video Below
2018 Château Routas Rosé Wine Review
Score: 90+/100 point
Overall Review Notes & Tasting Impressions
A Provence rosé wine with a pretty pale salmon pink color, in a typical Provence fashion. Yet, this one looks particularly pale but also elegant, bright and shiny.
The aromatic profile also features great finesse and elegance, only releasing subtly delicate notes of pomegranate, juicy and vibrant fresh pear, with hints of peppermint and acacia, thyme and white pepper. Bright and lifted the nose feels, fruity but refined, and lifted by subtle spices and herbs.
The palate reveals a delightful and striking smoothness. Sure, the backbone of acidity provides tension and a refreshing feel highlighting the notes of zesty pink grapefruit and lime with a hint of peppermint flavors. Somewhat reminiscent of a refreshing mojito cocktail, in a subtle way.
But the smoothness of the wine’s texture, a soft oily body coating your palate with a fruity and floral sensation, makes for seamless and very satisfying thirst-quenching experience.
This is a very likable rosé you could simply sip nonchalantly any day of the week, particularly in a warm summery night. But if you pay attention enough to its details, you will find subtle and refined traits, a smooth balance and a salivating finish.
Delicate phenolics, accompanied but a slightly salty feel shining through the finish, are an invitation to bitting into tasty Mediterranean dishes, Provencal tapas, salty fish entrées and the likes. As I said in the review video above, the pypically provencal dishes of Pissaladière (a white pizza with onion, anchovies and black olives topping) or a tapenade (salty olive paste served on toasts) immediately come to mind as the ideal and utterly delicious combination with Chateau Routas rosé…
Watch the Full Review of Château Routas Rosé in Video
Winery Notes about Chateau Routas Rosé
Grape Varieties/Blend: 45% Cinsault 35% Grenache 20% Syrah
Appellation: A.O.C. Coteaux Varois en Provence
Average age of the vines: 15 years
Vinification: The grapes are gently destemmed, cooled and pressed. The juice and the skins remain in contact for 24 hours. After this brief maceration, 8% of the Syrah goes straight into wooden barrels for primary and malolactic fermentation. The Cinsault, Grenache and remaining Syrah are fermented in stainless steel tanks, blocked from malolactic fermentation. The two different lots are aged separately, and blended prior to bottling.
Aging/Maturation: 3 months
When to drink: After bottling, and for a further 2 years.
Winery Tasting Notes: Freshly cut watermelon, ripe peach aromas and floral notes lead to a palate alive with wild strawberries and hints of mineral notes. Crisp acidity and a refreshing finish.
Enjoy 🙂
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