This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Bordeaux rosé growing in quality
Bordeaux’s rosé production may not be increasing but it is improving, Maison Sichel’s export director, Charles Sichel thinks.
Speaking to the drinks business in the wake of the release of a new rosé from Cave du Bel Air, Sichel said: “The offer is definitely wider than it used to be. In the past it wasn’t the best but today estates are making rosé specifically and it has to be good.
“Rosé production may or may not have increased but it has definitely improved.”
The Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux has even supported the production of the region’s rosé with a couple of videos recently.
Furthermore, added Sichel, in terms of quality and price, “we’re able to compete with Provence”.
Despite his view that Bordeaux rosé is the equal of Provence, he conceded that in terms of colour it was the latter that had the upper hand.
The new Cap du Bel Air rosé is much paler in colour than traditional Bordeaux rosé.
Sichel explained: “What we thought was enticing – bright cherry red – wasn’t flying off the shelves.
“So we did our own research and looked others which clearly shows that consumers want that Provençal, onion skin colour. They identify with it.”
Chateau de Sours Rose has for at least the past 10 years, probably longer, been recognised as a complete leader and trial blazer in the production of Bordeaux Rose and remains the ‘benchmark’ today for all producers. You just need to look at what Matthew Jukes, Jancis Robinson, Jane MacQuitty and Oz Clarke say about it (and others) and you’ll see that they are the pioneers.