Moulin de la Roque Rosé Bandol Les Hauts du Vallon 2023

Add 6 bottles to the cart and receive an additional 17% off!

Rosé season is upon us, people! This isn’t just any rosé, though – load up on this elegant Mediterranean pale pink crusher from a Provençal appellation that we can’t get enough of, Bandol! Did we mention First Bottle has it at the World’s Best Price, and under $13? Wow, rosé never sounded so good!

Did you know that Bandol is a major appellation of the Provençal wine region? The appellation covers red, white, and rosé wines, whose most famous and planted grape is – drumroll, please – Mourvèdre! While historically, red wines have made up the majority of Bandol’s output – more recently, rosé has begun to massively take off due to this area’s ability to produce weighty, concentrated, and supremely crisp rosé wines with great ageability. This hyper-fresh 2023 rosé of 50% Mourvèdre, 40% Grenache, and 10% Cinsault is an absolute model of vibrancy and elegance, and delightfully represents the sun-drenched Mediterranean vineyards in which it grows.

The estate of Moulin de la Roque was founded in 1950 and is a co-op of eight Bandol growers, part of a vast natural amphitheater planted with vines (and rosemary and lavender, of course) looking out across the Mediterranean Sea. The hot, dry climate of Provence ripens the grapes better than anywhere in the world, while the powerful Mistral winds preserve the sort of acidity that allows these wines to develop deep roots and concentrated flavors over decades of struggle.

Wanna know what’s not a struggle? Popping open one of these blushing beauties. There’s an old Provençal saying that “Mourvèdre must see the sea” – and after a few sips of this, we understand why. Crisp and brimming with summery aromas akin to wild strawberries, orange blossoms, crushed raspberries, and yellow peaches, this is all-around bright and refreshing, with undertones of saltwater taffy, orange rind, and dried Herbes de Provence. A salty sea spray finish lingers with a dry minerality – no doubt an influence of its Mediterranean growing locale – making this an all-around delight to imbibe, no matter the meal or occasion. Take this as your sign to stock up as a proper welcome to summer. For under $13 and nearly 60% off retail, there’s no reason not to!

PAIRING IDEAS: I’m sticking to the Mediterranean theme, but going Greek with a lamb meatball gyro with a creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce, all piled into a soft, warm pita.