Rosé as a wine category has exploded in the U.S. market in recent years. At the first hint of spring, restaurants and bars bulk up their rosé offerings, and retail stores become a sea of pink.
Provence, in southern France, is the heartland of rosé. The juice here is made primarily from grapes native to the region, such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Rolle, Clairette and more. But for many, rosé is not necessarily about the details of what's in the glass; rather, it's an easy-drinking beverage that's fun to drink and look at, perfect for casual social gatherings, and preferably outside.
Provence vintners were having fun with rosé long before the recent market boom. They've been playing around with bottle shapes for decades, and many of those trademarked designs are still in use today. Château Ste.-Roseline, Domaines Ott and Domaines Fabre are among the estates claiming unique, historical bottle shapes.
The light-hearted nature of rosé is conducive to vintners molding their own traditions. Many in Provence and now in other rosé-producing regions have taken to the trend of making quirky, unusual-looking bottles to hold their juice. Below is a slideshow showcasing some of the best examples.
For more about rosé, see the cover story in Wine Spectator's upcoming June 30, 2018, issue, on newsstands May 29. WineSpectator.com members can get the scores and tasting notes of recently reviewed rosés in the latest Tasting Highlights devoted to the category, "15 Delightful French Rosés."
