Pale copper color; strawberry, citrus, raspberry, minerals, fresh flowers on delicate nose; watermelon, strawberry, white peach, pink grapefruit, tangerine, minerality on the palate.
Dry; light fruit flavors; excellent acidity. Light body, smooth in the mouth. Refreshing. Refined, almost ethereal red fruits with pleasant tang on the mid-palate. Blend of 85% grenache, 15% syrah. Grapes harvested at daybreak, wine aged on the lees in stainless steel to provide softness and fruit clarity. No tannin or oak notes. 12% ABV.
The Cellier des Dauphins is a collective effort. It is the largest producer of Côtes du Rhône wines and also is known at the Union of Winemakers of Côtes du Rhône. As a Rhône producer, the emphasize grenache and syrah.
The website explains: “Created in 1967, the Union of Côtes du Rhône winegrowers (UVCDR) brings together 2,300 winemaking families in the southern Rhône Valley. Its territory covers 12,500 hectares [about 31,000 acres] of vines and around 20 AOCs. Based on deeply human values, boldness, and diligence, the UVCDR exports to 50 countries, shipping 40 million bottles a year.
“Founded in 1967 by the UVCDR, Cellier des Dauphins has become the pride of our winemakers and risen to regional pre-eminence. Its delicious sun-drenched wines are highly esteemed and synonymous with the voluptuous south’s art de vivre. Over the years, its renown has grown driven by constant innovation.”
For the past several years, the winery-grape growers have put emphasis on sustainable practices, including product waste reduction, eco-design, waste water treatment, recycling, and solar energy. Cellier des Dauphins has promoted organic agriculture for many years, and more than 2,500 acres are organically farmed. They were the first producers of organic wines in the Rhône Valley.
Cellier des Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Grenache-Syrah Rosé 2021 is perfect summertime rosé with fresh, fruity flavors and zippy acidity. Clean, lean, palate pleasing warm weather quaff. All you want in a rosé delight, especially the price for this quality. Works as an aperitif and summer sipping on deck, dock, porch, patio, poolside, picnic, beach. Works as an aperitif. Pairs summer salads; fish, shellfish; poultry; pork. $10-15
