Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food I’m No Fool!
by David Scott Allen
Winery: Château Léoube
Cuvée: Rosé de Léoube
Appellation: Côtes de Provence
Type: Rosé
Vintage: 2015
Grape Varieties: Grenache 40%, Cinsault 40%, Syrah 10%, Mourvèdre 10%
Alcohol: 12.5%
Average Retail Price: U.S. $21.00, FR €16.50
When I saw a bottle of Château Léoube’s “Rosé de Léoube” on sale, I bought it. I’m no fool. Yes, it’s a little more expensive than our usual wine purchases, but I have heard from many people how good it is, and I wanted to know firsthand. Let me start by saying that I wish I had bought out their inventory! (So maybe I was a fool after all…?)
The first thing I did after getting the bottle was send a quick note to my Instagram friend Jérôme Pernot – a.k.a. Mr. Léoube – and asked him what he recommended serving with his wine. His suggestion? Roasted chicken.
2015 Rosé de Léoube
It always amazes me how things come together – as if the Universe really does have our fates in mind. You see, I had been planning to make a very unique roasted chicken for a future post and, without any effort on my part, I now had the perfect wine pairing all set. Kismet. The recipe is for a salt-crusted roast chicken – a very simple and flavorful preparation. You can get the recipe over at Cocoa & Lavender.
The color of the Rosé de Léoube is a pale and delicate pink – it looks simply refreshing. I removed the bottle from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving, and was glad I did. I think serving it at about 60°F (16°C) brings out the aromas and flavors of this elegant wine. Whiffs of grapefruit and jasmine on the nose made for a tantalizing bouquet and, on the palate, I tasted dried apricot and a touch of banana. With food, the complexities of the wine were evident, and the mineral mouth feel was quite pleasant.
The thing I liked most about the pairing was the flexibility of this wine. With the roasted chicken, I served a tomato, caper, and shallot sauce, along with sautéed lemony haricots verts and carrots braised with a touch of Madeira. Each component of the meal went so well with the wine, bringing out different dimensions of the rosé with each new flavor.
To say that I liked this wine is an understatement. It is up there with my favorites. According to the Château Léoube website, head winemaker Romain Ott is “adamant” that this is a year-round wine – not just for summer. I am in complete agreement and, as I said, I wish I had purchased every bottle on the shelf!
Last week I was in New Hampshire helping a friend who is starting an importing business there pour his initial offering, a 2016 rosé from Ch. Barbabelle (near Aix) at a couple of wine shops. The first thing out of the store managers was “aren’t you guys a little early for rosé season?” Boy, were they surprised when we sold out their stock of Barbabelle for them.
I stressed with all tasters that as this was a wine that was truly food friendly, and surely not locked into the warm season. So in this regard I support Mr. Ott to the fullest. Excuse me, now I have to cut/paste that roasted chicken recipe and forward it to my wife. We shall give it the rosé test.
Never too early for rosé! We are of the “drink it year round” club, too, Jerry. (Some rosés more that others!)
I wish we could get the Château Barbarelle here!
Oh, David! Another winner! As you know, I am a huge fan of all three Léoube rosés and can only imagine how well this one, in particular, would go with your salt-crusted chicken. Can’t wait to try for myself!
Susan – it is perfectly appropriate that you like this dish, as you and Towny were the first to make me salt-crusted salmon!
Oh, that’s funny…it is time to make it again!
Hi Susan, I have just gotten back from Margaritaville while visiting my sister in AZ. I am looking forward to some nice weather and the Rosé de
Léoube with the salted chicken. Thank you for the Tasting Notes! A great addition.
Mary – where in Arizona does your sister live? If it’s near Tucson, we should meet the next time you are here! Glad you like the recipe. The wine is amazing!
Hi David! I can’t believe I’ve never filled in the dots for you about your fans! Mary is Germaine’s sister in Tubac! Such a small world of Francophiles! I wish I had thought to say something!
Wow – we will have to meet next time she is here! Thanks for that, Susan!
There’s such a thing as Rosé season? You could’ve fooled me 😉
Jerry, your writing is therapeutic for my soul. Please post more!
I agree – all seasons are rosé seasons! And I love Jerry’s writing, too!
I can tast it now! Must head down to Léoube and stock up before donning my toque.
How lucky are you that you can just pop down there and get some, Pam! Color me green for your access to pink!