I often say that the first duty of Rosé wine is to be French and, secondly, to be from Provence.  If I were to add a third requirement, it would be that it’s comfortably affordable.  Well, I’m happy to report that the 2023 Peyrassol La Croix de Rosé tags all three bases on its way to a homerun of exception value.  Located 10 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, between Cannes and Marseille (oh-la-la!), the Peyrassol estate has had plenty of time to perfect their recipe for dry, aromatic rose, organically grown in the rocky soils of the district.  Winemaking there, in fact, goes back to the year 1256, when the Knights Templar owned the property.  A lot has happened since those days as the domaine grew in size and reputation, becoming a modern wine estate in the 1970s under the inspired leadership of Francoise Rigord.  Even then, as the property changed hands, innovation has been the order of the day with a complete restoration of the terraced vineyards and a certified organic winegrowing regimen throughout their 95 hectares of vines.  As is typical of most Provencal roses, the Peyrassol La Croix is a blend of regional varieties; in this case, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Caladoc, a rare grape cross of Grenache and Malbec.  The densely planted vineyards and nutrient-starved soil combine to effectively limit the yields, resulting in more aromatic and complex wines.  Peyrassol makes a number of different cuvees, including white and red wine, but rose is their specialty and La Croix is just one of their affordable blends.  It’s been a staple here at PRIMA Vini for many years and could very well become your ‘go to’ rose of the season.  Be sure to have some on hand for all your outdoor grills, pool parties and relaxed summertime meals. I know I certainly will, despite San Francisco’s miserable cold and fog. – Frank Rothstein