Synopsis:

An opportunity to look at the reasons behind the incredible success of Provence rosé and how it has become the leader in quality rosé wine, we’ll discuss how the region’s unique heritage and terroir combined with the expertise of its winemakers have created - and continue to create - a style that
has become the global benchmark in rosé wine.

Understanding the three sub-regions; Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence and Coteaux
Varois en Provence, will help in appreciating the diverse terroir and climates, as well as each region's environmental actions. The session will touch on the 5 Dénominations Géographiques Complémentaires (DGC) which have been established as regions which express unique qualities.

We’ll also discuss some of the research the Centre de Rose have carried out over the past 25 years which has helped establish this wine region as the leader in rosé around the world.

About the Speaker:

Ray O’Connor is an Irish Master of Wine based in the U.K. He was formerly sommelier to Gordon Ramsay, in London’s Michelin starred Maze restaurant, followed by 7 years as Commercial Manager for the International Wine Challenge. For the past 10 years he has been the Wine Director for Naked Wines responsible for discovering new wines and managing a rigorous quality control program. 

Today he is an independent wine consultant specialising in continuously improving the quality perception of wines through blending and range development. He is travels internationally speaking at events on the topic of global trends and wine styles.

www.rayoconnorwine.com

Timestamps:

Introduction (00:00)
Justin Martindale MW - The Host warmly welcomes Ray O'Connor MW, highlighting his extensive background in the wine industry.

The Success of Provence Rosé (00:01)
Ray O'Connor MW shares the remarkable journey and success story of Provence rosé, delving into its growing popularity, rich history, and unique characteristics.

History of Provence Wine (00:03)
Ray explores the deep-rooted history of winemaking in the Provence region, tracing back to 600 BC and the significant contributions of monks and early winegrowers.

Evolution of Provence Rosé (00:05)
A discussion on the pivotal changes in the perception and quality of Provence rosé, including the establishment of appellations and the creation of the Centre de Rosé.

Producers and Cooperatives (00:07)
Ray highlights the importance of heritage, cooperatives, and wine-growing merchants in enhancing the quality and success of Provence rosé.

Regions and Production of Provence Rosé (00:12)
An insightful overview of the three key regions of Provence and their roles in rosé wine production.

Influence of Terroir and Biodiversity (00:15)
Ray explains how coastal influences, agroforestry, and biodiversity contribute to the distinctive characteristics and quality of Provence rosé.

Climate and Topography (00:19)
A look at how the Mediterranean sea, abundant sunshine, varied topography, and winds shape winemaking in Provence.

The Mistral Wind (00:20)
Ray discusses the crucial role of the mistral wind in Provence and its impact on grape cultivation.

Traditional Knowledge of Grape Growers (00:21)
The invaluable inherited knowledge of Provence grape growers and their deep understanding of the land's influence on wine production.

Race Tank and Grape Varieties (00:22)
An explanation of the term "race tank" and an overview of the main grape varieties used in Provence rosé production.

Adoption of New Grape Varieties (00:24)
A discussion on the introduction and adoption of new grape varieties in Provence in response to climate change.

Appellations and Environmental Certifications (00:28)
An overview of the appellations in Provence and the growing emphasis on environmental certifications in viticulture.

Geographic Complementary Areas (00:30)
An explanation of the geographic complementary areas in Provence and their influence on wine characteristics.

Côtes de Provence (00:33)
Insight into the Côtes de Provence region, its climate, and the impact of altitude on wine production.

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (00:35)
A detailed look at the certification and climate of the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence region, noting the later harvest due to altitude.

Coteaux Varois en Provence (00:37)
A description of the Coteaux Varois en Provence region, emphasizing its environmental initiatives and the influence of water sources.

Grape Varieties and Environmental Practices (00:39)
A discussion on grape varieties, environmental practices, and sustainability efforts in Provence viticulture.

The Winery and Vineyard Process (00:41)
Ray explains the reverse engineering of winery processes into the vineyard, managing oxidation, and the changes made in the vineyard for improved grape quality.

Technical Winemaking Processes (00:43)
Ray delves into the technical aspects of winemaking, including gentle extraction, temperature management, and maceration, and the importance of understanding time with the lees.

Blending and Aging Potential (00:45)
The art of blending wines and the potential for aging rosé, focusing on achieving consistency and understanding the evolution of flavor and texture over time.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairing (00:46)
Ray offers suggestions for serving and pairing rosé with various dishes, highlighting its versatility and ability to complement different foods.

Provence Rosé Characteristics and Development (00:47)
A discussion on the defining characteristics of Provence rosé, its aging potential, and the meticulous attention to detail in its production.

Light Strike and Vineyard Planting (00:52)
Ray addresses concerns about light strike in rosé wines and discusses vineyard planting methods, including the use of single varieties and field blends.

Q&A and Conclusion (00:56)
The hosts engage in a Q&A session with Ray, addressing various audience questions, and conclude the episode with final remarks and expressions of gratitude.