Grape Variety: 45% Cinsault, 35% Grenache & 20% Syrah

Growing Region: Provence, France

Chief Winemaker: Jean-Louis Bavay

TASTING NOTE:
The past 3 vintages this wine has finally been receiving the recognition and success that their hard work and the wine itself rightly deserves. With the 2011 vintage winning a trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2012. Routas is arguably producing the region's best expression of rose - respecting the varietals used and producing a versatile and exciting rose wine.

Once deemed physiologically ripe, each grape parcel was picked separately with the grapes de-stemmed, cooled and gently pressed. The juice remained on their skins for approximately 24 hours. After a brief maceration, 8% of the Syrah juice went into used oak barrels for primary and malolactic fermentation. The Cinsault, Grenache and remaining Syrah juice were fermented at a controlled cool temperature in stainless steel tanks, and without any malolactic fermentation. The two different wine lots were aged separately for about 3 months, tasted and then back-blended prior to bottling.

In your glass you will be greeted by a coral pink, salmon colour. On the nose you will have lifted wild strawberries, floral notes, along with freshly cut watermelon and white peach aromas. These notes carry through onto the palate which is alive with pink grapefruit, raspberry and strawberries flavours and subtle mineral notes. All of these characters are well balanced with crisp acidity and a clean refreshing dry finish. Chill and serve at 8-10C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; and will age gracefully for another 12-18 months.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine pairing with sushi, prawns, salmon, or with strawberries and plenty of sunshine, enjoy.

A Provencal summer in a bottle.