Château Gassier Le Pas du Moine Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2022 1.5L

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1982, Château Gassier is nestled at the foot of the iconic Sainte-Victoire Mountain in Provence, France. The estate spans 40 hectares within the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOC, a prestigious sub-region known for producing some of Provence’s most refined rosés. Owned by the Gassier family, the winery is dedicated to organic viticulture and preserving the integrity of the land. With its unique microclimate and limestone-rich soils, Château Gassier crafts wines that express precision, elegance, and regional character.

Producer and Winemaker

Under the leadership of Georges Gassier, the fifth generation of the family, Château Gassier has continued to refine its style while remaining true to its roots. Georges, alongside a team of passionate winemakers, combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge practices. Their focus is to enhance terroir expression, preserve freshness, and deliver purity in each wine. The team’s intimate knowledge of the Sainte-Victoire terroir plays a critical role in shaping the house style: elegant, aromatic, and vibrant rosés.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The estate’s vineyards sit between 200–400 meters above sea level on limestone and clay soils, offering excellent drainage and mineral influence. The Mediterranean climate—warm, sunny days and cool nights—combined with the Mistral wind, ensures slow ripening, optimal phenolic development, and naturally healthy vines. Sainte-Victoire’s higher elevation and rocky terroir allow the fruit to retain bright acidity and aromatic depth, key for producing structured and elegant rosé wines like Le Pas du Moine.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed in whole clusters using a 30 hL pneumatic press. After cold settling for 12 hours at 6°C, fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks and 22 hL concrete ovoid vats between 15–18°C. The wine undergoes aging on fine lees for six months, with 80% matured in ovoid tanks that naturally stir the lees, and 20% in oak barrels to add subtle texture and roundness. This process enhances mouthfeel and adds complexity without compromising freshness.

Tasting Notes

Pale rose-gold in hue with lychee reflections, the wine opens with expressive aromas of exotic fruits such as mango, lychee, and pineapple. Subtle almond and floral notes of acacia lend further intrigue. The palate is smooth, elegant, and refreshing, featuring tropical fruit flavors balanced by a fine mineral structure. The finish is persistent and delicately textured, reflecting its limestone terroir and artisanal winemaking approach.

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal pairings include fresh seafood such as oysters, grilled lobster, scallop ceviche, or salmon poké bowls. It also complements melon with prosciutto and Provençal dishes. Its bright acidity and exotic fruit profile cut through rich or fatty dishes, while its minerality enhances delicate, raw seafood preparations.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) for optimal aromatic expression. A brief chill in an ice bucket for 20 minutes before serving is ideal. This wine does not require decanting but benefits from a few minutes in the glass to fully open up and reveal its complex bouquet.

Storage and Aging Potential

Le Pas du Moine 2022 is designed for immediate enjoyment to capture its fresh, fruity essence. However, with proper cellaring in a cool, dark environment, it can age for 2–3 years, gaining added complexity and a more rounded texture without losing its vitality.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

Blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle (Vermentino). Exact percentages vary slightly each vintage to maintain balance and freshness.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Scores

Wine Enthusiast: 92 points