As if great beaches, yachts, stars and fun in the sun were all just not enough to put Saint-Tropez on the map, the region produces an exceptional rosé wine at the Mas de Pampelonne, a vineyard that sits perched above the famous beach of the same name. Cultivated by the Coste family since 1886, these vineyards produce wines that are not only delicious but have been certified organic. Today Camille Coste is at the helm of the house as well as being the president of the Maîtres Vignerons de la presqu’île de Saint-Tropez (The Master Winemakers of the Peninsula of Saint-Tropez), which works to showcase the heritage and the uniqueness of these wines. 

We’re prolonging the summer with the estate’s Cuvée Elégance which bears the Côte de Provence AOP appellation, or designated label of origin. This is an astonishing rosé, versatile, it fully embodies the good earth of the Mas de Pampelonne sun-drenched vineyards, a blend of silica and fine sand all bathed in the breeze of the Mediterranean sea. The traditional grape varieties are blended into Elégance with elegance. Grenache, Syrah and old growth Cinsault vine plants are harvested by hand before dawn and then directly pressed to capture the purest essence of the grapes. Its delightful salmon pink color is imbued with ruby red flecks, especially when enjoyed in sunlight. It can certainly be served at cocktail time but does just fine with goat cheeses and grilled fish. In a nod to Saint-Tropez, we served it with a famous regional dessert pastry, the tarte tropézienne, a rich number of brioche, pastry cream, butter cream and dusted with sugar sprinkles. Translation: a thick, rich, creamy icing cake, for the icing lovers in all of us. 

Cuvée Elégance has been brought out in a limited edition of just 12,000 bottles each year and the grapes emanate from rigorously selected parcels of the estates 35 acres (14 hectares) of vineyards. It offers up a taste of Saint-Tropez from the peninsula of the same name that has a unique spot on the map of France, nestled between land and the azure blue sea. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette 

https://www.masdepampelonne.com/en