Château Fontarèche 'Tradition' Rosé, Pays d’Oc, Languedoc, France 2023

Château Fontarèche is a historic estate in the heart of the Languedoc, owned by the De Lamy family since 1957. Surrounded by 145 hectares of vines laid out in a perfect square around the château itself, the estate cultivates 17 different varieties on pebble-strewn terraces. With winemaker Vincent Dubernet at the helm—formerly of Abbaye de Fontfroide—Fontarèche crafts expressive wines that blend tradition and regional character.

• WINEMAKER: Vincent Dubernet

• FARMING: Sustainable practices across estate vineyards

• VARIETY: Piquepoul Noir, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

• TERROIR: Pebbly stone terraces surrounding the château near Lézignan-Corbières, under the Pays d’Oc designation

• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested; each plot pressed and vinified separately to preserve unique site expression

• AGING: Short élevage in stainless steel to maintain freshness and aromatic lift

• TASTING NOTES: Pale salmon in color with bright aromas of strawberry, grenadine, and a subtle menthol lift. The palate is smooth and lightly structured, with juicy red fruit, low vinosity, and a breezy, mineral finish

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Stuffed aubergines, pissaladière with anchovies, or olives with tapenade