M. Chapoutier Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Rosé 2017 Côtes de Provence, Provence, France 75cl

Château des Ferrages is a Provence estate whose Mon Plaisir rosé is made and distributed in partnership with M. Chapoutier, pairing the house’s expertise with classic Côtes de Provence fruit. It sits among Chapoutier’s southern French collaborations, which reach beyond the Rhône into neighbouring regions.

The blend brings together Grenache, Syrah and Rolle, the local name for Vermentino, in the pale, dry style that has made Provence rosé so popular the world over. It is built for freshness and subtlety rather than colour or weight, with Rolle adding a faint citrus lift to the red-fruited base.

This is a 2017, so as a rosé it is now well past its typical window and will show a more evolved, gentler character than a young example. Provence rosé is made to be drunk young, and its bright freshness naturally fades with age.

In its prime the style shows delicate citrus and red berry notes with a crisp, dry finish, and it is best served thoroughly chilled. Chilled to around six to eight degrees, it makes a refreshing warm-weather aperitif rather than a wine for cellaring.

Provence rosé is the benchmark for pale, dry pink wine, and this is a classic expression of it. If you enjoy that restrained, mineral style, it will feel familiar. As with any rosé of this vintage, its freshness is best judged on opening, and it is a wine to enjoy now rather than to hold. It suits Mediterranean food, from grilled fish and salads to charcuterie on a warm evening.