France Wine Region Map
Feb0
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Dear wine lovers,
Today, I am particulary glad to share this edition with you and Wine Blogging Wednesday generated by Lennedevours hosted this time by Wine for Newbies.
There is a white grape variety that is not very famous but which would deserve a greater fame: Rolle*. Maybe it is because it has different names (it is Vermentino in Italy and Vermentinu in Corsica) or because it is a small production amount or just because the wines are mainly drunk in these very touristic regions.
Mostly located in East Provence, Corsica and north-west Italy (Liguria), Rolle behaves well with large temperature variations. In France, the Bellet appellation, which is a tiny "terroir" up on the hillsides of Nice, produces most of it with some "island vineyards" and some in the countryside of the high Var area.
Its natural acidity, due to these large temperature variations, are a true gift in this south geographic area. As a result, Rolle produces a very fresh exotic fruit when the wine is young and allows it to age marvelously, evolving to acacia and honey hints. When the vines are old, Rolle can be partly barrel vinified, especially in Bellet and allowing then an outstanding ageing potential.
Château Miraval, a paradise Estate lost in the highest parts of Provence, Domaine Saint Jean de Villecroze, Château de Bellet (especially the Cuvée Baron G) on the hillsides of Nice, Domaine de la Courtade in a the beautiful island of Porquerolles and Clos d'Alzeto which is the highest altitude vineyard in Corsica (located near Ajaccio) are all elaborating beautiful wines made out 100% Rolle.
**Marry this wine with a sea bass fish cooked on the barbeque (if you have dead vines to burn into coals, it is even better). Prepare a simple lemon olive oil dressing with it and you will almost feel like you are on the Mediterranean having lunch on a white sand beach, which will be soon the case for me**...
Cheers,
Jean-Marc Espinasse
Any comments, edits are very welcome at contact@french-wine-a-day.com
See where Rolle and Vermentino are produced on a French wine map (use enlarge icon to see it better)
PODCASTS :
Listen to this whole edition in French (allow some delay depending on your speed internet conection)
Listen to this whole edition in English (allow some delay depending on your speed internet conection)
*Listen to "Rolle"
Some great Provence recipes to pair with your Rolle wine:
**Mariez ce vin avec une dorade de mer cuisinée au barbecue (si vous avez des vignes mortes à brûler pour faire des braises, c'est encore meilleur). Préparez un simple assaisonnement citron huile d'olive et vous vous sentirez presque au bord de la Méditerranée sur une plage de sable blanc, ce qui sera bientôt mon cas...**
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