Château Peyrassol - Côtes de Provence 'Cuvee des Commandeurs' Rosé 2024

The Commanderie de Peyrassol is emblematic of the rich viticultural history of Provence, having produced wine for nearly 800 years. Today Peyrassol makes a range of high-quality wines that build upon the long history of the winery and the iconic terroir of the region with contemporary winery facilities. The estate sits in the foothills of the Massif des Maures, ten miles from the Mediterranean Sea between Cannes and Marseille, and has 95 hectares of vineyards cultivated on dry, rocky clay and limestone soils. At the core of Peyrassol remains the Commanderie and all that it stands for: a historic sanctuary for gathering travelers, an enduring pillar of hospitality and conviviality, and a commitment to excellent wine.

The first recorded harvest dates back to 1256, when the Knights Templar controlled the Commanderie. Wine production has been continuous since then, even as the estate changed hands to the Knights of Malta, and subsequently to the state after the French Revolution. In 1870, the Commanderie was acquired by the Rigord family, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the winery truly began to take off commercially from the efforts of Francois Rigord, who came to be known as “La Dame de Peyrassol.” With her joyful personality, famous sense of hospitality, and winemaking talent, Francois was the perfect person to represent the Commanderie, and she brought the wines to market, fame, and acclaim in 1981. She also planted Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon on the estate in addition to the Grenache and Cinsault already growing, and the white varietals of Rolle, Ugni Blanc, Semillon, and Clairette.

In 2001, Rigord agreed to pass the winery to Philippe Austruy, charmed by his passion and clear dedication to the property. The Austruy family invested in the vineyards, cellar, and hosting facilities, creating a contemporary wine experience built around historical roots. Today the winery is managed by Phillipe’s nephew, Alban Cacaret, who leads a team of experts from vineyard to cellar.

Since 2001, Philippe and Alban have consciously maintained organic practices in full respect of the surrounding environment, and beginning with the 2022 vintage, the winery’s entire range of whites, rosés, and reds is certified organic by the rigorous French certifying body Ecocert. No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides are used in the vineyards. The age of the vines, the rocky terrain, and the hot, dry climate all do their part to severely restrict yields. Consequently, harvests typically average between 25 and 40 hectoliters per hectare depending on the vineyard and grape variety.

Inspired by the values at the origin of the Commanderie – a sense of place, of great energy, and centuries-old commitment to hospitality – Peyrassol is now, more than ever, synonymous with great wines and celebrated generosity across the world.

Harvest takes place at night to preserve acidity. On arrival at the winery, fruit is immediately destemmed and pressed in a closed tank. A 24h cold settling is followed by the alcoholic fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wines age several months in stainless steel vats on the fine lees to preserve the freshness of the aroma.

Producer: Château Peyrassol

Country: France

Region: Provence

Varietal: Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache

Appellation: Côtes de Provence

Vintage: 2024

Size: 750ml