Nuit Blanche Côtes de Provence Rosé 2022

The night harvesting technique, which gives this wine its 'sleepless night' name, is a traditional Provençal method used to preserve the delicate aromatics and fresh acidity that make great rosé. When grapes are picked in the cool moonlight hours, they arrive at the winery at lower temperatures, preventing premature fermentation and oxidation that can occur with daytime heat. This careful timing helps retain the wine's vibrant strawberry and musk characteristics while maintaining the crisp, dry profile that Côtes de Provence rosés are celebrated for.

Côtes de Provence is considered the birthplace of quality rosé, where winemakers have perfected the art over centuries using the saignée method and direct pressing techniques. The Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils of Provence create rosés with distinctive mineral backbone and elegant structure, rather than the overly sweet or simple styles found elsewhere. This particular wine showcases the region's signature pale salmon colour and bone-dry character, with complex flavours that develop from the unique terroir of southern France's most prestigious rosé appellation.

Serve this rosé well-chilled at 8-10°C to highlight its crisp, refreshing character and delicate strawberry and musk notes. The light-bodied, dry style makes it incredibly versatile with food - try it with Mediterranean dishes like grilled seafood, goat cheese salads, or charcuterie boards. Its bright acidity also cuts beautifully through richer foods like salmon or even spicy Asian cuisine, while the wine's elegant structure means it's equally enjoyable on its own as an aperitif.

The 2022 vintage in Provence was marked by a warm, dry growing season that produced concentrated flavours while maintaining excellent acidity levels. The consistent weather conditions allowed for optimal ripening of the grapes, resulting in rosés with good structure and aging potential. This vintage particularly benefits from the night harvesting approach, as the technique was crucial in preserving freshness during the warmer harvest period, ensuring the wine retains its vibrant character and food-friendly acidity.

The musk characteristic in this rosé refers to subtle floral and earthy undertones that add complexity beyond the primary strawberry fruit flavours. This aromatic quality often develops from specific yeast strains used during fermentation and the wine's contact with fine lees, creating a sophisticated perfume-like quality that's prized in premium Provence rosés. Rather than being overpowering, the musk note provides an elegant backdrop that enhances the wine's overall finesse and makes it more intriguing with each sip, distinguishing it from simpler, fruit-forward rosé styles.