You may be well ahead of me and have already tasted through the entire range of newly released rosés. Pink fever starts earlier and earlier each year. The state of the weather doesn't even seem to matter. We hearty British Columbians will drink pink, and buckets of it, especially between April and October.
There was a time when I could barely scrounge together enough rosés to merit an article, even in the height of summer. Now the shelves are overflowing and delicious examples can be found year round. We've come to trust that the candy-floss colour doesn't necessarily equal sweet.
Certainly the style of rosé on the rise is decidedly dry. Hue matters too, and pale prevails. This is epitomized by the pinks from Provence. Here, rosé has long been a priority, accounting for 80 per cent of the production. It is impossible to visit this enchanting region without falling under its spell. And the desire to bring home the pétanque-playing, patio-sipping lifestyle has surely helped us embrace the wines.
Every year a fresh new batch from the most recent vintage arrives on our shores. Some brands have become staples, and it's like the welcome return of an old friend. Because rosé popularity continues to increase, there's always a new one at the party as well, which I can never resist checking out.
To officially kick off the summer, here are five of my faves from Provence's 2016 vintage. Expect more pink recommendations from around the globe as the summer heats up.
2016 Domaine Saint Ferréol, ‘les Vaunières’ Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP $17.99 BC Liquor Stores
Year after year, les Vaunières gets my vote for value for money. It delivers everything I want from a Provençal rosé; that barely-there colour and dryness, of course, but also a lightness and subtlety of personality. Yet it's still pretty, replete with summer berries and a welcome undertow of minerality on the palate.
2016 Opaline, Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP $21.99 BC Liquor Stores
A classic blend of 65 per cent Grenache rounded out with 20 per cent Syrah and 15 per cent Cinsault. Pure sweet raspberry leads the way with some bright cherry, sun-kissed apricot and grapefruit thrown in for good measure. Juicy, fresh and lingering, it lures you to take another sip.
2016 Roubine, 'La Vie En Rose' Cotes de Provence AOC $22.99 BC Liquor Stores
Roubine is the debutant and will be hard not to buy based on appearance alone. It looks like a fancy perfume bottle. I'm not sure if it's the suggestive lacey flowers painted on the glass, but there is a strong hint of roses on the nose. Intriguing flavours of orange water, nectarine and anise join in. Here, the rare Tibouren grape plays the starring role with Cinsault lending support.
2016 Elodie, Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire AOP $23.99 BC Liquor Stores
Lots of evocative Herbes de Provence aromas bring you directly to the South of France. Then fresh flowers, watermelon and cherry waft from the glass. Elodie has an appetizing salty edge, and is slightly more powerful than its cohorts. A great choice with 'robust' summer fare like tuna or pork.
2016 Mirabeau, 'Pure' Côtes de Provence AOP $28.99 BC Liquor Stores
Reserved but sly, the Mirabeau starts off as gentle as a summer morning. Faintly floral with violets and lavender as well as red currants. More mineral than fruity on the palate, yet there is sneaky concentration and a gorgeous silky smooth texture. It simply exudes elegance.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
