Saint Max Rosé is named after Saint Maximin d'Aix, the legendary first bishop of Aix-en-Provence from the 1st century AD. According to the legend, he was the steward of the family of Mary Magdalene and her brother Lazarus and sister Mary at Bethany. Around the year AD43 he fled the Holy Land with them in a rudderless and sail-less boat. Miraculously they survived to land at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, in the Camargue near Arles. After landing in the Camargue, Mary Magdalene and Maximin began to convert the local people in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. came to Marseille and converted the local people. Later in life, according to the founding legend, Mary Magdalene retired to a cave in the Sainte-Baume mountains until, on her last day she came to Maximin so that he could give her communion and arrange her burial. Her sarcophagus is now at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, the town named after Maximin. Today Saint Maximin is the patron saint of the diocese of Aix. The vineyards are located in the inner valley of the Cuers plain, on the foothills of the Massif des Maures, and on the arçois inland country at the foot of these same mountains. Saint Max Provence Rose 2020 is whole-bunch pressed with short skin contact to ensure a pale and bright hue as well as an intense aromatic expression. In order to preserve the natural acidity and freshness of the wine’s aromas, the malolactic fermentation is not processed. Aging on fine lees in tanks for 3 months before early bottling. Pale pink colour, intense citrusy grapefruit and peach notes and a delicate, intense mid-palate. Ideal as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes or fresh prawns.

Domaine Santa Duc Famille Gras Les Plans Vin de pays de Vaucluse is produced by one of the greatest wine producers in the Rhone Valley. They are especially known for their stunning biodynamic grenache-based Gigondas wines. The nose hints at raspberry and cassis, white chocolate, light truffle, spices, licorice roots. The palate is round with good acidity on the finish. Sour cherry, raspberry, strawberry, milk chocolate, vanilla. Smooth tannins.

The Lark Hill Dark Horse Vineyard Roxanne Petillant Naturel NV is produced using Grenache rosé and at the very last moment possible, the winery transfers the fermenting wine to bottle, capturing the fizz produced by the yeast. No chemical additions, no sulphur - just grapes, sunlight, and happy yeast to produce this bubbly drop. The resulting dry and crisp wine is bright pink in colour with refreshing bubbles. Being a Pét Nat, there is still a little lees (solids) in the bottle. Either give to bottle a gentle stir to serve cloudy, or stand it upright in the fridge overnight to let it settle clear.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, hand harvested from Les Esqueirrons, La Bigote, Maucoil, Les Serres, Grand-Pierre, Valori, La Crau and Guigasse. 60-70% destemmed with a 3 week traditional fermentation before being aged in a mix of concrete vat and various sized barrels for 12 months.

Product Description: The Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Côtes du Rhône 2022 is a standout example of the Usseglio family’s dedication to creating exceptional wines in the Southern Rhône. This wine, crafted from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 20% Cinsault, showcases the perfect balance of ripe fruit, savoury herbs, and complexity. The fruit is sourced from stony and sandy soils in the region, where half of the estate’s vines are over 60 years old, imparting a depth of character to the wine. Fermented and aged in concrete for 6 months, this wine expresses the purity of its fruit with minimal intervention. With vibrant acidity and dark purple hues in the glass, the 2022 vintage offers aromas of blackberry, fresh flowers, and grilled herbs, creating a complex and inviting bouquet. On the palate, the wine reveals layers of black fruits, lavender, olives, and liquorice, all balanced by the fresh and lively acidity that keeps it beautifully structured. A wine that could easily be mistaken for a mini Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it has the weight and intensity to be savoured now or aged gracefully for years to come. Maker: The Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils is one of the most respected names in the Rhône Valley, now run by Pierre’s two sons, Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio. The estate has built a reputation for producing wines that capture the essence of the Rhône’s best terroirs, with half of their vines over 60 years old. This long-standing commitment to quality has earned the estate numerous accolades, including praise from wine critic Robert Parker, who considers them "one of the top estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape." The estate's philosophy of minimal intervention allows the natural qualities of the land to shine through in their wines. This philosophy is reflected in their Côtes du Rhône offerings, which are made with the same meticulous care and attention to detail as their flagship Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. The Usseglio family’s expertise in blending traditional Rhône varieties results in wines of exceptional character, depth, and balance. Vineyard: The Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils vineyards are situated in the heart of the Southern Rhône, with 6 hectares of land planted with Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The vines are spread across some of the region’s best plots, with a combination of sandy and stony soils, perfect for growing grapes with richness and complexity. Half of the estate’s vines are more than 60 years old, providing exceptional fruit with deep, concentrated flavours, while the younger vines (around 30 years old) bring freshness and vibrancy to the blend. The vineyard practices are centered around minimal intervention, allowing the natural environment to shape the wines. This philosophy extends to their winemaking, where the fruit is carefully selected, fermented in concrete vats, and aged with minimal handling to preserve the true expression of the land. Winemaking Practices - Minimal Intervention Vineyard Practices - Minimal Intervention NOSE Blackberry, Fresh Flowers, Grilled Herbs An aromatic burst of blackberry, redcurrant, and blackcurrant, complemented by hints of fresh flowers and the savory character of grilled herbs. A subtle lift of lavender and black olives adds further complexity. PALATE Black Fruits, Lavender, Olives, Liquorice Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a depth of black fruits, interwoven with nuances of lavender, olives, and a touch of liquorice. The wine’s fine structure and vibrant acidity provide balance and freshness, with a mouthwatering finish that invites another sip. FINISH Lively, Fresh Acidity, Complex The finish is long and fresh, with lingering herbal and fruit notes, complemented by the refreshing acidity that keeps the wine vibrant and lively.