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Three Rosé Wines From Southern France

A test winner for discerning connoisseurs
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GEORGE V MAGAZINE
Neubauer Artists LLC
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Rosé doesn’t need a special occasion. It’s just as natural for spontaneous barbecues as it is for a relaxed weekend on the balcony or patio. Instead of grand gestures, the focus is on the sheer joy of enjoyment. French rosé wines embody this feeling particularly convincingly. They combine freshness, fruitiness, and lightness, creating precisely the atmosphere that many associate with summer.

Which wines are particularly delicious? Our wine expert Michael Quandt has tasted three French rosé wines that taste like summer and sunshine.

Test winner: Foncalieu La Marquise 2025

The La Marquise’s appearance immediately reveals its potential. Its light, coppery rosé hue exudes elegance and understated sophistication. The aroma is dominated by strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by an open and appealing fruitiness that instantly whets the appetite for the first sip.

On the palate, the wine is soft, dry, and remarkably harmonious. The red fruit aromas remain present and are complemented by a subtle blackcurrant note. A delicate herbal accent adds further depth to the rosé. The acidity is fresh yet pleasantly integrated, resulting in a lively and balanced overall impression. The finish is harmonious and enjoyable.

The combination of Grenache and Syrah works exceptionally well. While one grape variety contributes fruity juiciness, the other provides a subtle spiciness. The result is a rosé that seems uncomplicated, yet is by no means generic. This wine truly shines on warm summer evenings and pairs perfectly with light cuisine and relaxed hours spent outdoors.

Rating

  • Color: 2 out of 2 points
  • Clarity/Purity: 1 out of 2 points
  • Scent: 4 out of 4 points
  • Taste: 5 out of 7 points
  • Overall impression: 5 out of 5 points

Total: 17 points, very good

Freshness and balance: Perrin Luberon Rosé 2025

This rosé greets you with a bright salmon pink hue and a fresh aroma. Red currants and sour cherries take center stage. Floral nuances and subtle spicy notes complete the fragrance profile.

On the palate, the wine is straightforward and lively. The fruit is clearly expressed, while the acidity provides freshness and structure. Delicate mineral notes round out the overall impression. The wine remains consistently balanced and approachable. This very balance makes it an uncomplicated companion for warm days.

This blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah combines different strengths. Cinsault provides freshness and lightness, Grenache delivers the fruity components, and Syrah contributes subtle spicy notes. The result is a rosé that is typical of southern France and impresses with its harmonious character.

Rating

  • Color: 2 out of 2 points
  • Clarity/Purity: 1 out of 2 points
  • Scent: 3 out of 4 points
  • Taste: 5 out of 7 points
  • Overall impression: 5 out of 5 points

Total: 15 points, good

Expressive and spicy: Château Peyguerol Costières de Nîmes Rosé 2025

Anyone looking for a wine with a bit more character should take a look at this rosé. Its intense salmon-pink color is immediately striking. The aroma combines grapefruit and raspberry with subtle herbal notes.

On the palate, the wine is dry and clearly structured. The fresh acidity provides dynamism and effortlessly carries the fruit aromas throughout the entire taste experience. Strawberry and raspberry are clearly the focus. These are complemented by a light, creamy texture and a subtle mineral note that lingers in the finish. Delicate herbal aromas add further depth and character.

The high Grenache content gives the wine its open, fruit-forward character. Syrah adds spicy elements to the blend and provides more depth. This makes this rosé not only suitable as an aperitif, but also a perfect match for summer dishes.

Rating

  • Color: 2 out of 2 points
  • Clarity/Purity: 1 out of 2 points
  • Scent: 3 out of 4 points
  • Taste: 5 out of 7 points
  • Overall impression: 4 out of 5 points

Total: 15 points, good

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This is how we test: The wine expert uses these criteria to judge.

The wines are rated on a scale of zero to 20 points. The total number of points achieved determines the final grade. The following applies:

  • 18 to 20 points correspond to a grade of one (excellent)
  • 16 to 17 points correspond to a grade of two (very good)
  • 14 to 15 points correspond to a grade of three (good)
  • 12 to 13 points correspond to a grade of four (satisfactory)
  • 10 to 11 points correspond to a grade of five (sufficient).
  • Zero to ten points correspond to a grade of six (unsatisfactory).

The overall score is composed of several individual criteria. Color, clarity and purity, smell, taste, and overall impression are all evaluated.

Color

  • faulty or unsightly: zero points
  • appealing: one point
  • Particularly appealing: two points
  • Clarity and purity
  • dull or matte: zero points
  • clear and clean: one point
  • brilliant and crystal clear: two points

Odor

  • No or faulty odor: zero points
  • weak or unclear: one point
  • clean and pleasant: two points
  • very fine and fragrant: three points
  • particularly distinctive: four points

The taste

  • faulty: zero points
  • without expression: one point
  • thin: two points
  • Straightforward: three points
  • expressive: four to five points
  • Rich and aromatic: six points
  • Stylistically outstanding: seven points

Overall impression

  • Unbalanced: zero points
  • short and not very harmonious: one point
  • Solid: two to three points
  • Balanced with a good finish: four points
  • Very harmonious with a long finish: five points

Our conclusion: Three rosés, three different summer moments

All three wines capture the lightness of summer in their own unique way. The Foncalieu La Marquise 2025 impresses with its soft texture, harmonious fruit, and easy drinkability. The Château Peyguerol Costières de Nîmes Rosé 2025 focuses on freshness, structure, and spicy notes. The Perrin Luberon Rosé 2025 scores points with its balanced and uncomplicated character.

For those seeking a rosé to accompany as many summer moments as possible, Foncalieu La Marquise offers the most harmonious overall solution. It combines fruit, freshness, and balance exceptionally well, securing its victory in the test.

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