Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food Trending…
by David Scott Allen
Winery: Clos du Joncuas
Cuvée: Gigondas
Appellation: Gigondas
Type: Rosé
Vintage: 2024
Grape Varieties: Grenache with Cinsault and Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 13.5%
Average Retail Price: U.S. $25.00
For many years now, pale rosés have been the fashion; summer in a bottle, refreshing, and, like white shoes, not to be seen after Labor Day. This year, though, the trend is to seek the darker rosés — gastronomic rosés — that will age well and can be served year round, even on the odd snowy afternoon. We, at the Provence WineZine have never simply followed a trend; we have written about several of the darker rosés and even discussed aging them. We have always averred that rosé is not just for summer, thought it is nice and refreshing and we have been known to serve it with something hot off the grill.
Like today, for example. I grilled a stuffed pork chop and served it with a Gigondas rosé. While not as dark as some, it does have have a lovely deep color. When Susan and Towny were here last Christmas, we opened a bottle of this same wine and enjoyed it thoroughly with a chicken b’stila … yes, midwinter. But back to my Grilled Chop with Mountain Herbs. This is definitely a sunny, summery dish and the Gigondas paired beautifully with the grilled meat and intense herbal stuffing. For the recipe, please visit Cocoa & Lavender.
The color of the Clos du Joncuas Gigondas rosé is a deep peach color — perfect for the trend, and beautiful in a glass. The nose is light and citrusy, which is somewhat deceptive for the tasting that followed. This wine is definitely bright yet has a significant weight and a round mouthfeel. It is somewhat flinty with notes of raspberry and black cherry, with a distinctive raspberry finish.
The wine is full-flavored and well-balanced with good acidity. I would think this wine would be excellent with grilled fish, white meats (including pork and veal), summer salads (Niçoise, anyone?), and vegetable dishes such as a Provençal tian. It is an excellent value for the price, as well. Ours was a 2024 and I think setting it aside for another year or two would intensify its flavor.
Being a big fan of rosé (and rosado) I’m sure I’d really enjoy this wine, especially with your grilled chops and mountain herbs!
The Gigondas rosé sounds perfect for the pork chops and many other entrees! It is definitely rosé season now but I wouldn’t mind drinking this one any time of the year.