César à Sumeire Rosé 2016

In the world of Provencal rosés, as with Victorian make-up, the general rule is the paler the better. This doesn't mean that they are wan wallflowers (as we imagine Victorian women) but, as with Cesar, they can be thrilling, vivacious, flavour-packed and racy wines.

With an elegant nose of jasmine and wild rose and an ample palate of cranberries and lemon peel, there isn't a trace of sober Victoriana. Er, which isn't to say you shouldn't be sober at all times, officer.

Heir to a family of vintners from Provence, Olivier Sumeire carries on the tradition with this elegant and authentic Côtes de Provence rosé. The Elie Sumeire family originates from Trets, a Provencal village located at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire since the 13th century and Olivier Sumeire is Elie's direct descendant.

Winemaking is traditional, harvested by hand and grown organically. The winemaker, Olivier Sumeire is a Master of Wine, literally and figuratively. The grapes are very gently pressed at low temperatures in a pneumatic press to retain the delicate colour.

César (1921-1998), the famous French sculptor known for his compressions, signed this Cuvée ‘César à Sumeire’ as a mark of fondness for the Sumeire family and for his native Provence. The wine is made from a selection of Château Coussin’s best parcels selected for optimum quality.

Skin maceration of selected destemmed grapes took place at low temperature in stainless steel temperature-controlled presses, before temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats.

A beautiful pale pink in colour with an almost bluish highlight, it has an elegant nose of jasmine and wild rose. It has an ample mouth with notes of cranberries and a citrus finish that would make it fantastic with seabass with a grilled fennel salad.