FRANCE, Pierrefeu-du-Var
A vineyard in the heart of Provence. The Sumeire family who have owned the Font-Freye estate since 1933, acquired this large estate near Pierrefeu, within the Var region in 1958. Formerly the summer residence of the archbishops of Toulon, the vineyard is surrounded by the Maures’ hills.
Winemaker & owner
“In 1958, the Sumeire family acquired this large estate near Pierrefeu, within the Var region. This property, surrounded by the Maures hills, has two names inherited from its long past: Château la Tour de l’Evêque and Château la Tour Sainte Anne. In 1985, they created Pétale de Rose, a pale rosé wine created by pressing entire red grenache grapes using a champanese press. The result: a unique pale wine with a deeper length in the mouth.”
“Our principles: Respect of the terroir, vinification by gravity, indigenous yeasts, direct soft press in whole bunch grapes, champanese Coquard press”.
Winemaking
One vineyard, two terroirs: our philosophy is the result of a long family tradition based on quality and organic farming. The vinification is focused on the respect of our terroir.
Collection
The wines from the Château la Tour de l’Evêque are full-bodied and mineral.
ORGANIC ROSÉ WINE
Information
This is the first rose wine in Provence that enhances the light pale colour because of the gentle pressing in the Champenois Coquard press. All grapes are harvested manually, sorted, not de-stemmed and directly loaded into an hydraulic Champenois Coquard press without crushing. The grapes are lightly pressed so as to obtain optimum delicacy and fragrance from the very heart of the grapes. The Pétale de Rose is exclusively made of 1st quality juices.
Tasting notes
Pale rose-petal pink. Clean, pronounced, classy primary aromas of vine peach, wild strawberry, interlaced with some orange peel, floral honeysuckle. Dry palate with crispy and balanced acidity, somehow generous and spicy too, with lots of peaches, liquorice, thyme and laurel coming on the long finish. Silky, balanced, long, intense, complex.
Rewards
Jancis Robinson: “Broad and smoky with much, much more flavour than most Provencal rosés. Substantial with the merest hint of oiliness but not seriously so. Masses to chew on. Broom. Amazingly long and positive.”
Robert Parker: 90/100 – “A very good quality rosé wine, two estates with high quality standards.”
James Suckling: 90/100
Decanter Awards: 89/100
ORGANIC ROSÉ WINE
Information
Produced from grapes cultivated and vinified by Roger Blanc Sumeire, nephew of Régine Sumeire, in Pierrefeu-du-Var, in the family estate of Font-Freye, in front of the Château La Tour de l’Evêque.
Tasting notes
Pale salmon pink. The nose is clean showing primary fruit such as strawberry, peach on floral background, with citrus hints. A joyous wine with ripe, though fresh, intense aromas. Silky and generous. The flavor intensity is expressive, with creamy strawberry and spicy notes.
Rewards
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