Today, Peyrassol is known as a Provençal estate producing a wide range of delicious wines, mostly rosés. They are staples on our shelves during the warmer months, and with good reason — great rosé can be found all over the globe, but its birthplace is in Provence.

Ideally situated between Cannes and Marseille, a mere 10 miles from the Mediterranean, Peyrassol sits in a perfect place to make wine. The site is ancient, and the first harvest was reported in 1256. Yes, the 13th century, when it was occupied by the Knights Templar and served as a respite for weary (and thirsty) travelers. Since then, wine has continually been made here, even during wars and revolutions. Since purchasing the estate in 2001, the  current proprietor, Philippe Austury, has invested heavily in the estate, implementing organic techniques and upgrading the winery and its cellars.

And as of 2022, everything made at this address is certified organic, an impressive feat made slightly easier by the advantageous climate of Provence. Plentiful sunshine and brisk breezes help to keep disease at bay (just as they make a day at the beach that much better). However, these same elements, combined with Peyrassol’s rocky soils, help to limit yields, and thus, produce wines of great concentration and intensity.

The 2024 vintage, a disastrous one in much of France, did not affect the vignerons of Provence to the same degree; the same spring frosts that destroyed much of Chablis’ harvest, for instance, spared Peyrassol’s vines. Harvest began in late August, and early September rains provided relief for later harvested varieties. The wines, as ever, are crisp and refreshing, with tons of vibrant fruit, Mediterranean salinity, and a mineral-rich finish.

Peyrassol, Mediterranée Rosé "La Croix", 2024 $22.99
"La Croix" represents a rosé from further afield than Provence, made with fruit from Peyrassol's IGP-classified vineyard around the Coudonnier area, as well as fruit sourced from partner growers (who are, of course, farming organically). Its blend is dominated by Cinsault (40%), followed by 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Caladoc, a crossing of Grenache and Malbec. We love it for its intensity, a joyous melange of red berry fruit complemented by a bit of citrus (blood orange, grapefruit), and the saline, mineral-tinged finish.

Peyrassol, Côtes de Provence Rosé "Reserve des Templiers", 2024 $25.99
"Les Templiers" is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, and 20% Syrah, from a mix of sites: some with clay and limestone, others with more silt. It has the classic pale color, a generous, fruit-focused vibe and is elevated by a subtle texture and complexity.

Peyrassol, Côtes de Provence Rosé "Cuvée des Commandeurs", 2024 $27.99
"Cuvée des Commandeurs" is a classically-styled Provençal rosé, with a pale pink hue and a zippy, fresh palate. It's made from the estate's younger vines, and is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault and 15% Syrah. The vines are mostly planted in clay and limestone soils (and a bit of schist), keeping the fruit in check and amping up those savory mineral notes. The grapes are harvested at night to preserve freshness and the alluring aromatics.

Peyrassol, Côtes de Provence Rosé "Château Peyrassol", 2023 $49.99
Made from 100% estate fruit, Château Peyrassol is a blend of 55% Cinsault, 25% Grenache and 10% Syrah, with the remainder made up of Mourvèdre, Tibouren, Vermentino and Ugni Blanc. Vinous' Billy Norris says, "Pouring a light orange-yellow in the glass, the 2023 Rosé Chateau Peyrassol is zippy, bright and extremely floral, sprinting out of the gate with well-formed notes of tangerine, ripe cherry, strawberry and freshly cut roses. In fact, you could convince me that there's actual rosewater in the bottle (I jest, of course). Deeply mineral and notably broad, it manages to remain light on its feet, balancing its citrusy zing with a hint of waxiness on the finish and repeating that floral note into the sunset."