This year's Decanter World Wine Awards International Trophy for the Best in Show Rosé over £15 went to Domaine de Rimauresq, R, Côtes de Provence, Provence, France 2013 (13.5%)
Tasted against:
- There were no other Regional Trophies tasted in this category
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Just the one rosé up for an International Trophy, but a multitude of compliments from our judges, who adored the wine’s character and abundance of flavours – ‘Charm without being tarty,’ was one comment. This is the second year in a row that Provence has snared this ultimate gong, proving that when it comes to rosé, it’s still the region to beat.
Pierre Duffort is the winemaker responsible for producing this and Rimauresq’s Regional Trophy-winning Under £15 rosé at this year’s DWWA – an impressive double. The estate is owned by the Scottish Wemyss family – which also has a stake in Western Australia’s Fonty’s Pool winery – though it is Duffort in charge of the day-to-day runnings of this idyllic spot near Toulon, at the foot of the Notre Dame des Anges mountain.
In addition to rosé, Duffort also makes a characterful white from the local Rolle variety (better known internationally as Vermentino), as well as hefty-yet-stylish reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Mature vineyards yielding concentrated fruit no doubt help him greatly with each: the average vine age here is an impressive 30 years, with the most recent plantings dating back to the 1990s and the majority of the oldest planted in the ’60s.
The winery itself was built, half-submerged, in the middle of the vineyards, ensuring the harvested fruit is as unspoiled and pristine as it possibly can be on arrival. Grapes for this Trophy-winner come from parcels of the oldest vines on the estate, which are 70 years old and contribute additional depth and minerality to the finished wine.
The blend here is 80% Grenache and 20% Cinsault, with the winemaking itself very similar to that for the Regional Trophy winning Classique. Its delicate yet vibrant salmon-pink hue and lifted floral fruits with the characteristic Grenache spice are perfect partners alongside salmon, seafood and garlicky Provençal cuisine.
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Written by Decanter
