Chateau de Berne Provence Rose 2016

From - Provence, France
Grape - Grenache, Cinsault
Alcohol - 13% abv
Available from - Waitrose, Majestic
Price - £10.49 - £11.99 (currently £8.39 at Waitrose until 8 August)

Appearance - Clear, medium- intensity, pink

Nose - Clean, medium intensity, red fruit (raspberry), floral, youthful.

Palate - Dry, high acid, medium+ alcohol, medium+ body, medium+ length, medium intensity.  Red fruit flavour of raspberry and cherry, stone fruit flavour of peach.

Very good quality. Drink now.

This is a fine example of Provence rose, at a great price.  If you are a fan of Provence rose, as all right-thinking people are, then this is for you.  Chill it, but allow it a little time after it comes out of the fridge, to allow the subtlety of the flavour to express itself.  I would pour this out as an aperitif, or serve it with lighter foods, or lightly spiced snacks (nuts, bhajis etc). 

Esprit de Buganay Rose 2012

From - Provence, France
Grape - Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol - 12.5%
From - Waitrose, Ocado
Price - £10.49

Appearance - Clear; medium- intensity; salmon

Nose - Clean; medium intensity; strawberry

Palate - Dry; medium to medium+ acid; a touch of tannin; medium intensity; medium length; medium alcohol; strawberry, raspberry, cherry.

Balance - 8 Length - 6  Intensity - 5 Complexity - 5

A typically restrained and elegant Provence rose, with an interesting blend of grapes.  I was recommended to try this wine by the owner of a Brasserie in Colchester and it is, as he promised, very pleasant.  It would be great on a summer's day, for a picnic or before a meal.