Miraval
As we slowly defrost from not only spring but the Covid-19 pandemic, we bring you one of the iconic Rose wines from Provence. A marvelous combination of Hollywood drama and great wine, Miraval, a 1,200 acre estate in Provence, was founded by acting icons Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Married at Miraval, Pitt and Jolie prior to their split lived there since 2008. The property boasts pine forests, olive groves, terraced hillsides, working vineyards, a private lake as well as a moat. Much of the chateau dates back to 17th century, including 35 rooms in the main house as well as several tenant residences.The estate also contains remains of a Romanesque chapel, as well as the famed vineyard from which the Miraval Rose comes from. The recording studio at Miraval has housed some famous musicians including personal favorites Sting and The Cranberries (R.I.P. Dolores O’ Riordan).
Purchased in 2012 for an estimated $60 million, records indicate that in 1252 philosopher and theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas visited the Miraval estate. The vineyard itself is very large, Jean-Pierre and Francois Perrin are the iconic vintners behind this great Rose wine that produce white and rose wine from the 500 hectare property. They produce a ton of Rose (roughly 200,000 bottles) and despite the quantity of wine produced, the quality of the wine has been apparently throughout the past five vintages. The latest vintage Rose, comes from the year of the Pitt/Jolie split and it is not clear who will own Miraval going forward. The 2020 Miraval Rose (OB, 92) might be the best edition of this wine. It is beautifully textured from the partial battonage and truly captures the art of blending. Learn more about Miraval at http://miraval-provence.com/en/ Here is the new Miraval Rose review.
2020 Miraval ‘Studio’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Studio’ is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle and Tibouren. Wild mushroom combines with watermelon and smoky minerals on the nose. The palate is soft and beautifully textured. Layers of very delicate red fruits combine with peat moss and citrus rind tones on the palate. This is really good stuff for the price. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 Miraval Rose- The 2020 Miraval Rose blends Cinsault, Grenache and Rolle vines from this esteemed site set on clay & limestone at an average of 350 meters. 5% of this wine was aged in French oak and was given battonage. The resultant wine is truly outstanding particularly at a warmer temperature. Gooseberry and pomegranate seed flavors collide with minerals, tilled soils and pretty rose water and red cherry candy notes. Drink 2021-2027- 92