Cellar Profile
Situated in one of the most beautiful places on earth, just a few miles from St. Tropez on the French Mediterranean, Château Les Valentines is located inside the Côtes de Provence La Londe AOC, considered the “Grand Cru” site for rosé wine in France. Close proximity to the ocean mitigates the hot summer days, as does the Mistral wind that comes howling down from the Rhône to empty out into the ocean. This allows the grapes to retain their acidity while still ripening the Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah that form the backbone of Les Valentines’ gutsy reds and beautifully-structured rosés. The winery also produces fresh whites from Ugni Blanc, Clairette and aromatic Vermentino. There are few regions that take their rosé wines as seriously as Provence does. These are from low-yielding vineyards earmarked specifically for optimal rosé wine, not simply bled off vats of red wine. The quintessential summer sipper, but with more than enough weight and character to be enjoyed all year round. Château Les Valentines has vineyards that have been growing grapes for over a century. They sold their harvest to a local cooperative before finally opening their own winery in 1997. Since then, their wines have accrued international recognition and are served in some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world. These extremely small-batch wines come with tremendous pedigree, but are incredibly affordable as well! Gorgeously-styled bottles make a stunning presentation, but the wine inside more than delivers.
Region
La Londe-les-Maures is located on the Mediterranean coast between Toulon and Saint-Tropez. It is a tiny sub-appellation of Côtes de Provence in the far southeast of France. Wine has been produced here for over 2600 years, making Provence the oldest wine producing region of France. Similar to other areas of Provence, 75% of La Londe wine is rosé, with the remainder being entirely red. White wines produced in the area are sold under the general Côtes de Provence title.
Vineyard
Château Les Valentines extends over 50 hectares of schist where grapevines, pine forests and garrigue scrubland enjoy full southern exposure. The fruit used for ‘Miss Valentine’ is sourced from 50 year-old vines, from vineyards throughout the Côtes Méditerranée IGP. The old, deep-rooted vines allow the plants to grow exceptional, concentrated fruit in ideal conditions, balanced by the cool Mistral winds.
Winemaking
Cold pressed, controlled fermentation at 18°C. Filtered before bottling.
Varieties
Grenache/Syrah wines have been made for many centuries. Both members of the blend prefer warm climates, such as those found in southern France. To this blend, Grenache contributes its classic bright, stewed-strawberry and raspberry flavors, juicy palate and high potential alcohol. Syrah, the “darker” variety of the pair, provides structure and spice, with notes of blueberry, licorice and the occasional gamey note.
Tasting Notes
A very pretty, pale salmon-coloured rosé with loads of bright citrus and red berry aromas. Medium-bodied with notes of ripe orchard fruit and local scrub alongside hints of stony minerality. Bright acidity brings it all together in classic Provençal style.