Pale copper color; white peach, apricot, grapefruit on the nose; peach, melon, grapefruit, citrus, strawberry on the palate.
Dry with nice fruitiness. Medium-full body. Very appealing texture—velvety on mid-plate and finish. Blend of 60% grenache, 30% cinsault, 6% syrah, 4% mourvedre; 13.% ABV. The grapes come mostly from family properties and from select vineyards in Côtes de Provence “chosen to ensure that the wine is characterized by fruit and freshness with added finesse and complexity,” according to the website.
Their website tells the backstory well: “In 1896, after a tour of France’s many vineyards, Marcel Ott, a young graduate in agronomy engineering from Alsace, finally found an estate that inspired him. To set the scene, we are in Provence. The Mediterranean is lapping at the shore a mere stone’s throw away ….
“In these parts, growing vines is the legacy of ancient times. Alas, a short while before Marcel Ott’s discovery, phylloxera had wreaked havoc on the vines. The land was cheaper, but the vineyards would have to be replanted. The wine had lost a great deal of its soul in the vineyard’s reconstruction. Marcel Ott bought several estates and began renovating them with the determined ambition to create great Provencal wines from noble grape varieties.
“Today, 120 years later, cousins Christian and Jean-François Ott dedicate their life to their ancestor’s love for the site. In 2004, Domaines Ott joined Louis Roederer and its fabulous selection of wine craftsmen.
“Christian and Jean-François run three estates: Château de Selle, Clos Mireille and Château Romassan. Each of these properties has its own individual charm and personality. Each can be proud of their extremely elegant rosé, red and white wines. In their cellars reigns one sovereign wine: the famous “Cœur de Grain”.
“BY.OTT is blended and bottled in the new Château de Selle cellar, where part of the winery is exclusively devoted to its production. The entire process is controlled—from the blending to the storage—ensuring the perfect quality expected of these wines.”
Domaines Ott Côtes de Provence Rosé By.Ott 2018 is elegant, smooth, bright. With distinctive bottle, beautifully delicate color, and tasty fruitiness, works as an attractive, crowd-pleasing aperitif. There is fruity sweetness to please those put off by austere wines, but enough acidity and character to pleasure those who prefer wines with some depth and character. Provence rosés pair with very wide range of food fare, so let’s list what not to pair it with: cream or butter-based sauces, red meat, wild game, ratatouille, curries, blue cheese and other strong cheeses. $20-26
