Domaine Cala is a wine estate and winery located in Brignoles in the heart of the Provence wine region of France.
The domaine’s vineyards cover a 600-acre surface area counting with all the typical grape varieties found in the Provence region including Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, and Grenache blanc.
Domaine Cala’s owner, Joahim Splichal is an acclaimed Chef with more than 30 years in the culinary spotlight. From his debuts in California, Splichal went from owning one restaurant to an empire including more than 70 establishments across the East and Wet Coasts.
After signing on his twin sons as partners, Splichal requested the talents of internationally renowned Winery Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to make the red wine and ensure world-class winery operations. Derenoncourt then introduced Splichal to Bruno Tringali, an expert in Provençal rosé, who joined the team as rosé winemaker.
Provence native François Rigord also came aboard, devoting his seasoned Provençal vineyard expertise to Domaine de Cala’s 600 acres of vines.
After restructuring the vineyards and the Domaine’s first harvest in 2015, Cala started building new winery facilities in 2018 and will complete the construction of the winery and Bastide later this year in 2019.
The domaine also includes a 17th century Mas hidden in the woods.
Domaine Cala Provence Rosé Wine Reviews
Domaine Cala Classic Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé
2018 Domaine Cala Classic is a blend of 41% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 6% Rolle, 1% Grenache blanc, 1% Carignan, and 1% Cabernet.
Score-Rating: 89/100 points
Overall Review Notes & Tasting Impressions
This Provence rosé wine comes in a typical pale (very pale) salmon pink color as we expect from the French wine style.
The aromatic profile is both delicate and shiny with floral touches of violet and lily flower, bursting pink grapefruit, lime and pomegranate. Fruity and floral, yet introvert and subtle. Hints of anise hard candy aromas make for an appealing nose.
This is a dry rosé with a crisp, slightly sharp acidity, refreshing, to be served well chilled. Mid-body on a mineral acidity wit bursting flavors of fennel and fresh wild strawberry. The whole is lifted by spicy white pepper tones on zingy lime flavors.
A soft and refreshing, mild yet lively and crisp Provence rosé, made for enjoyable food pairing on appetizers and tasty herbal dishes, antipasti and tomato-based pasta dishes, all seafood salad types.
An easy-to-love rosé, yet with some depth thanks to a long on limy and herbal bitters flavors that makes you salivate and crave for food.
Domaine Cala Prestige Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé
2018 Domaine Cala Classic Prestige is a blend of 40% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 17% Rolle, and
14% Cinsault.
Score-Rating: 90/100 points
Overall Review Notes & Tasting Impressions
The Prestige Provence rosé wine come sin a somewhat surprising yet very pleasing extremely pale salmon pink color filled with many yellow hues. So much so in fact, it almost looks like a white wine, if it wasn’t for these characteristic grey/pink tones to its aspect revealing we are here with a rosé that looks delicate and nuanced.
The aromatic profile continues with the surprises, as it smells like sea water and sea breeze more than anything else. Such a burst of mineral freshness. Sure, there are scents of scents of lime and almost imperceptible grapefruit tones there, perhaps with a hint of lavender, laurel leaf and pomegranate, but it’s so elegant….
The palate reveals a dry and mineral, a crisp rosé bursting with salty saline flavors, an acidity than shines and cuts through the tasting experience like crystals of acid. But never is it aggressive, as it’s well balanced by a soft oily texture. The limey bitterness shines through to the finish though, while vibrant lemon and grapefruit flavors dominate the tasting experience.
A rare tasting experience Domaine Cala Prestige rosé delivers, somewhat tasting like a very subtle and elegant citrus juice or lemonade, yet with depth, delicate bitters, finesse and elegance only wine can provide, and a je ne sais quoi of food-friendly zestiness intricately married to citrusy refreshing refinement.
A wine to experience…
Enjoy 🙂
Read more about Domaine de Cala on their website: domainedecala.com
Learn more about Provence Rosé and what makes them special in video
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