The Last Rosés Of Summer Make For Good Wines This Fall
Many of the American rosés, Italian and Pacific Rim I find are often too sweet and some have a strange almost fuchsia color that can be off-putting.
Of course, the rosés of France's Provence have long been a standard that others either strive to meet or go in another, bolder direction. Provence rosés do tend to be light, though their alcohol may reach 13.5% and easy to drink as an apéritif before dinner. But they are also fine accompaniments for first and main courses, too.
When I was in my salad days, the rosé of Domaine Ott was my choice for dinner with a sophisticated girl who merited a better wine than Mateus. Founded in 1896 by Alsatian engineer Marcel Ott and now owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roederer, the estate's three vineyards are quite different from one another in terms of terroir: Château Romassan are in the Bandol appellation, Clos Mireille and Château de Selle both Côtes de Provence.
Château de Selle is located inland from the Mediterranean Sea, on limestone hillsides, planted in arid limestone soil––the earth is actually mechanically tilled to crush the rocks; yields from the 345-acre organic (since 2022) estate are low. Mourvèdre is the principal grape. The estate is considered their flagship wine, with an array of soft ripe fruits on the palate and a touch of saltiness from the sea, making it a fine wine for shellfish and a good bouillabaisse. The 2024 vintage sells for $65.
Château Romassan 2024 ($69) has a bigger profile, reflecting the terroir of Bandol, a port town located just to the west of Toulon, best known for its red wines (although the majority of the grapes grown are used for rosés). It has a very pale, opalescent color and, served either more or less cold, is brisk and silky. Ott acquired the château in 1956 in the foothills of the village of Le Castellet. The soil is actually quite poor––limestone, sandstone, and marine upper cretaceous marls––and the vineyards terraced, so the grapes have to struggle a bit to prove their worth. But sea salt from the bay helps the wine's acidity and the Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Grenache grapes are very selectively picked and sorted by hand, then fermented and aged in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats 4-6 months. It is very refreshing, terrific with mild cheeses and a fish like branzino or red mullet. Ott's website contends it will be just as good in 2029, though this is not a wine to save but to savor.
2023 Étoile Rosé 2023 ($175) is a cuvée, that is, a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre from the finest parcels from Clos Mireille and Château de Selle. It has considerable depth––it should for $175, although I've seen it on-line for less––and has more of a saline character than Ott's other rosés, owing to limestone coils of Selle and calcareous sandstone and sandy marl soils at Romassan. It is peach-colored, has a citrus tang as well as faintly sweet fruit notes. Here's a rosé to consider for bluefish and grilled chicken or seafood risotto.Sparkling rosés are increasingly popular, not least Champagnes, and the Telmont Estate has put a big push into being among the most environmentally correct producers, aiming to convert 100% of its cultivated areas and its partners' to organic agriculture by 2031. In addition they are going after the small details, like using recycled glass and green bottles, not using cardboard gift boxes and shipping all wines to the U.S. aboard wind-powered Neoline ships.
Telmont's 60 acres are located in Damery, Épernay, established in 1912 and now a fourth generation estate making eight crus, since 1999 under Bertrand Lhôpital. (Actor Leo DiCaprio is an investor.) Its Reserve Rosé ($87) is a blend of grapes from four different harvest, made from 87% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier. Oddly, for a rosé there is no Pinot Noir in the blend, though Meunier is a red grape. It has a lovely rosy color, rich flavor and fruitedness but is quite dry on the palate and finish. Its finesse makes it fit for sole meunière, lobster and crab and aged cheeses.
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
an hour ago
- CNBC
Many business travelers are quietly taking their families along on trips
When American Natasha Colkmire returned to work after having her first child, she didn't want to leave her newborn son with a nanny to go on a business trip. So she convinced a family member to tag along. "They would meet up with me when my son needed to be nursed," she said. "We also had the evenings together." The trip worked so well that Colkmire took more business trips with non-colleague companions. "My grandma went to Houston with me, a friend went to St. Paul, and my mom helped me when I needed to do a job in Washington D.C.," she said. "Each person loved getting the free trip." More than half of business travelers (55%) have had loved ones join their work trips, according to a survey of 4,000 adults from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain published Wednesday by the travel tech company TravelPerk. Among C-suite executives, the number jumped to 73% — with travelers saying they've had partners (53%), children (22%), friends (21%), and even pets (7%) tag along, according to TravelPerk's data. For some, bringing loved ones on business trips isn't just a perk — it's a way to reclaim time together, according to Jean-Christophe Taunay-Bucalo, TravelPerk's president and COO. "Traveling for work can be lonely," he told CNBC Travel. "Work trips can be an opportunity to experience something new, and by taking a loved one along, you remain connected." Plus, business travelers don't have to miss family time, be it bedtimes or birthdays, said Taunay-Bucalo. "For me, it's about having the best of both worlds, and sometimes performing at my peak also means seeing my kid at the end of a work day — it provides some normality," he said. Other business travelers who spoke to CNBC said there is another motivation — money. Colkmire, who now runs a travel website, recalled the time she joined her husband on a work trip to Vienna, Austria. "Our expense was cut in half, which was a huge blessing so that we were able to explore an area of the world that we had not yet been to without breaking the bank," she said. Bridgette Borst Ombres, a former journalist turned public relations consultant, said she has used work trips to create "budget-friendly mini-vacations" for her family. "Attending a tech conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, was the perfect business trip to bring along my husband and then-2-year-old daughter," she said. "The conference lasted two days, so while I was working, my husband took our daughter to visit his dad, who lived in the area, and we'd meet up for dinner in the evenings." After the conference ended, Ombres and her family spent a few days at Walt Disney World. "My hotel was covered by my company for the first two days, but I paid for the additional nights and all of our activities. My plane ticket was also covered by the company but I purchased my husband's ticket separately," she said. That blend of personal and business travel, or "bleisure" as it's known, was valued at $315 billion in 2022 by Allied Market Research. The advisory firm projects blended trips will reach $731 billion globally by 2032. Bringing loved ones on business trips is common and generally accepted, said Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at risk management company World Travel Protection. However, that doesn't mean that employees are revealing their plans to their companies. "I didn't keep [my] travel plans a secret, nor did I broadcast them to coworkers," Ombres said. "Part of it was worrying it might come across as unprofessional." Deepak Shukla, CEO of the London-based marketing company Pearl Lemon, said he's turned three-day work trips into week-long adventures with his wife in New York City, Lisbon, Dubai and Tokyo. "I don't hide it from my team," he said. "If the work's done and costs aren't creeping into the company card, it's nobody's business." However, he said big corporations often view traveling with family as a "policy grey zone." "The sticking points are expense claims, insurance coverage, and whether leisure days blur into workdays ... [which are] messy for tax and liability," he said. "That's why some companies quietly allow it but expect employees to keep receipts and activities clearly split." Ombres said allowing family and friends to join business trips can boost morale and build loyalty among employees. "I'm all for it," she said. "As long as it doesn't interfere with the work." She said she sets clear expectations for work to be completed on trips, and as long as that's met, "there's no reason to try to micromanage how people spend their personal time." Gabe Richman, CEO of Seattle-based biotech company Omic, agreed, saying he's combined work trips with family vacations in San Diego and Frankfurt, Germany. He said he encourages employees to travel with loved ones as long as "business objectives are met first." He said employees should clearly separate personal and work expenses and ensure companies incur no additional costs. Travelers should also be transparent about their plans with their companies, he said. Beyond that, travelers should make the most of the trip — for business and pleasure. "Business takes me to places we'd never vacation to otherwise." he said. "Why waste the opportunity?"
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Inside Look: Arev St. Tropez Review
A gem of the French Riviera, St. Tropez has long been a favorite coastal destination for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. While there are dozens of elegant hotels to choose from in the area, the 35-room Arev St. Tropez, which opened in 2024, provides a taste of the area away from the crowds. The first hotel in France's Arev collection, this design-forward boutique property is one of the few hotels in St. Tropez that's open year-round. It's also pleasantly removed from more touristy areas—although not a far walk away from the storied beaches. I checked in to the hotel this spring to experience its stylish interiors and excellent service. Read my full review below. Lobby at Arev St. Tropez. Arev St. Tropez Reserve At Mr & Mrs Smith Who Will Love It: Couples; friend groups All-Star Amenities: Spa; outdoor pool; Dyson hair tools; Strand Champagne Lounge; transportation to local beach clubs via electric Mehari buggies What Not To Miss: Dinner in the property's wine cave among 300 bottles of wine Location: St. Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France Designed by Spanish interior designer Luis Bustamante, a stay at the Arev St. Tropez feels like visiting a friend's luxurious Riviera home. The property's foyer is an airy salon with pops of nautical striped blues and ruby reds alongside vaulted ceilings and book-lined shelves that hide secret televisions. Check-in is completed casually on one of the many couches, where guests are welcomed with a refreshing beverage. The stylish interiors feel modern and playful, yet the bold colors don't take away from the elegance of the space. Pool at Arev St. Tropez. Arev St. Tropez The property is also home to a sprawling pool area, featuring one of the largest outdoor pools found in the city center. The inscription on the pool floor translates to 'a dream in the sun'—a partial inspiration behind the hotel group's name. In the property's private plaza, La Place Des Oliviers, guests can partake in olive oil tastings presented by the hotel's master gardener, as well as play padel on the nearby court. The fully equipped gym includes Peloton bikes and free weights, and the compact, on-site spa features two hammams and treatments like massages and facials, the latter of which saved my dehydrated skin after a long day of travel. I stayed in a Junior Suite, which is listed at 375 square feet. Despite the compact footage, the room felt very spacious, with a desk perched at the foot of the bed as well as a couch and table that was adorned with fresh flowers when I entered. Unlike the lobby area, my room's color palette was more muted, with black and white striped materials front and center alongside cream and pops of gold. Junior Suite at Arev St. Tropez. Arev St. Tropez I had truly excellent sleep here—despite ongoing stress over my delayed luggage—thanks to the room's 500-thread count French bed linens and bespoke Hungarian goose-down duvet and pillows. There were many modern touches, like a contactless bedside charging station for my phone, Dyson hair tools and a Japanese Toto toilet. The spacious bathroom features heated towel rails, marble-topped vanities and French soaps from local brand Maison ST; the property also partners with this brand to offer perfume-making classes on-site. Food And Beverage The main restaurant on property is The Strand, which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like citrus-infused tagliolini, baked turbot in fig leaves and roasted kumquats with cheese and za'atar. Every dish I had was delicious—and, unsurprisingly, the wine list of over 300 wines was fantastic—but dining at the restaurant was an experience in itself: An extension of the lobby, its bright, nautical atmosphere felt like a throwback to the 1960's French Riviera. The Strand Restaurant at Arev St. Tropez. Arev St. Tropez Right next to The Strand, I enjoyed pre-dinner (and post-dinner) drinks at Q's Bar, with the hotel's signature cocktail, the Zebra Negroni—made with gin, sweet vermouth and bitters—a particular favorite. Q's Bar also features a selection of cigars, and I imagine it to be a great location for multiple couples or groups of bachelors to enjoy a few while sipping on a nightcap after dinner. Although I did not get to experience it during my stay (it's only open seasonally), the property is also home to a Champagne lounge that's located on the hotel's terrace. Here, guests can lounge among the olive trees and sip rare bubbles from an antique trolley cart, which feels exceptionally chic. What Not To Miss During my stay, I got to experience a dinner in the property's wine 'cave,' a hidden room located downstairs from the lobby. Small and intimate, the space can be rented out by groups for private, candle-lit tastings guided by a sommelier. (Just make sure to bring a sweater, as it can get chilly.) I also spent some time at a few local restaurants: My favorite was the nearby Le Café, which features a Provençal menu, great drinks and a lively crowd that kept the party going until the wee hours, even during off-season. Although the restaurant is about an eight-minute walk from the property, the hotel also offers electric Mehari buggies that can transport guests anywhere in town. How To Get There The Arev St. Tropez is about a two-hour drive from the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), which is the closest international airport. It's the airport that most Americans will fly into, often via a connection in Paris, London or Amsterdam.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Anxious Wife Won't Join Husband and Daughter on Family Vacation. He Plans to Take Their Daughter Without Her
When a rare, all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii comes up, a father decides to take his daughter with or without his wife NEED TO KNOW A man plans to take his daughter to Hawaii without his wife due to her intense fear of flying His wife says being separated from their daughter for that long worsens her anxiety The father believes it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance and is prioritizing his daughter's experience A man turns to the Reddit community for advice following a tense disagreement with his wife about an upcoming family trip to Hawaii. The post, titled 'AITAH for telling my wife my daughter and I are going on vacation with or without her,' reveals a deeply emotional conflict that has left the poster torn between his wife's mental health struggles and his daughter's chance to make lasting memories. 'I (45m) and my wife (40f) (married 15 years) have not had a great relationship with my family,' he shares, explaining the backdrop to a rare opportunity that recently came their way. A family trip to Hawaii, with airfare and lodging completely covered, is on the table — leaving them only responsible for food, activities and transportation. The couple's 6-year-old daughter, who will be 7 by the time of the trip, is particularly excited. 'She loves everybody, and especially one of the cousins that would be going on the trip,' he writes. But despite initially agreeing to join, his wife's fear of flying has become overwhelming. 'A week after saying she would go [she] started having panic attacks and crying fits because she 'cannot do this long of a flight,' ' he reveals. Understanding her struggle, he tells her it's okay not to go — but he and their daughter still plan to. 'I tell her that is fine, however, our daughter and I are going because this is my last opportunity to go and may be our daughter's only chance,' he explains. His wife is not okay with that decision, expressing distress over being separated from their daughter. 'Wife says she cannot go that long without our daughter which causes her more anxiety,' he adds. Trying to find a solution, he suggests she speak to a doctor about temporary medication to manage the anxiety. 'I suggested going to the doctor to ask for medication to help with the flight when it happens (March),' he shares. 'But she is suffering now,' and when he mentions asking for medication in the short term, she pushes back. 'She says that she would then have anxiety about the withdrawal symptoms of coming off those medications after the trip,' he writes, highlighting the layers of fear she's experiencing. Caught in the middle, the husband makes what he calls the only firm decision he's made like this in their relationship. 'This is really the only time I have made a decision like this and was unwilling to move off of it,' he says. His heart breaks for his wife, but his mind is focused on what he believes is best for their child. 'I feel horrible for my wife but I also believe it's best for my daughter,' he shares, clearly struggling with guilt. The Reddit community quickly responds with sympathy and support for his dilemma, with one commenter writing, 'NTA. Her anxiety is a real issue, but it's not fair for her to hold your daughter back from a once-in-a-lifetime experience.' Another user adds a more measured take, validating the wife's emotional state but pushing for solutions. 'Your wife's anxiety is valid but she's had plenty of time to address it before the trip in March,' the commenter notes. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Offering a practical suggestion, the same user says, 'Maybe suggest your wife talk to a therapist who specializes in flight anxiety rather than just medication?' They point out that therapy can often offer targeted techniques that may help. Above all, both commenters agree that the daughter shouldn't miss out because her mother refuses help. 'Don't let your daughter miss out on memories she could cherish forever just because your wife refuses to get help for her anxiety,' one writes. The husband ends his post on a note of concern, still hoping his wife may decide to join them. 'Should I keep the tickets hoping she will go with us and if she doesn't go keep in contact with her via FaceTime and pictures?' he asks. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
