Author: Dirk Chan
Our special this week is the 2021 Domaine Houchart Rosé (Provence, France) – $19.49, regularly $23.99.
At the foot of the Sainte Victoire mountain, 15 kms from Aix en Provence in southern France in the commune of Puyloubier lies Domaine Houchart, purchased in 1890 by Aurélien Houchart, a negociant and friend of Cézanne and great-grand father of Geneviève Quiot (of Chateauneuf’s Domaine du Vieux Lazarat fame). This family estate has been farmed since the Roman times.
It is one of the largest estates (50 hectares under vine) in Provence with ancient old vines between 30 and 50 years. There is a wild range of soil types – sandy, chalky, clay and silt which ensures that the vines have proper drainage and produce and grapes that can develop true varietal characteristics.
Our feature this week is their classic Rosé (made from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon) – it is a long time deVine Bestseller in the summer. It has a delicate citrus and strawberry nose that carry onto the palate and develop into flavours of field berries, watermelon and mineral notes. A quintessential provencal rosé (in an instantly recognizable glass bottle) that is clean and refreshing to be enjoyed as an aperitif with smoked salmon, charcuterie & cheeses as well as salads. Fabulous al fresco in the sun-drenched summer afternoons.
2021 Domaine Houchart Rosé (Provence, France) – $19.49, regularly $23.99.