The Story
The Moonlight & Roses Coteau d’Aix en Provence Rosé 2018 is a $9.99 Trader Joe’s import exclusive sourced from the Aix region of Provence in the south of France. The Coteau d’Aix AOC is located in the northwest side of Provence and is 2nd in wine production to Côtes de Provence. Not only is this region known for wonderful Rose’ wines, this is where Van Gogh, Renoir, and the other Impressionists found inspiration for their paintings. Rose’ wines are typically blends and while TJ’s does not say what grapes are used, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre are often included in the blend.
There have been vineyards in Provence for over 2,500 years. The name Provence comes from the Romans referring to as their Province, it has been an important wine-producing region for basically, forever. Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer does not spend much time talking about the Moonlight & Roses, but they do take time to mention that the bottle is very similar to Miraval the Rose’ that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (I think she got it in the divorce settlement) own. The wines are not related, Miraval isn’t from the Aix AOC.
Provence Rose’ wine bottles often have interesting shapes, but the shapes don’t have a meaning, they do not note a style or a region. They are meant to catch your eye as you walk down the isle of your local wine shop. Rose’ wines are extremely popular and if you are curious about Rose’, the #1 Rose’ region in France is an excellent place to look. The alcohol content is 13%.
The Tasting Notes
The color is a pale amber pink. The nose is bright, fresh, and floral, there are scents of peach, pear, apple, lemon, a hint of grapefruit, lime, and hard cherry candies. The Trader Joe’s Provence Rosé has excellent acidity and a solid mix of sweet and tart flavors. It starts with tart cherry, sour cranberry, raspberry and candy spice. The mid-palate shows a bit of minerality, a little cream, and orange zest. The acidity is right on the edge of lip smacking good, it does not go overboard, it stays controlled. The finish tingles from the tart flavors and lasts and lasts.
The Summary
- The Moonlight & Roses Coteau d’Aix en Provence Rosé 2018 is an excellent $10 Rose’.
- It provides everything you want from a Provence Rose’, sunshine in a bottle, while still being an interesting wine.
- This Rose’ has flavor, structure, and personality, all while coming in at $9.99.
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