Chateau Vignelaure Rosés

The first vintage of the flagship red wine Chateau Vignelaure was made in 1970. This was the wine on which the reputation of the domaine was built. Later in 1993, Chateau Vignelaure produced it’s first rose, La Source de Vignelaure. Today, three rosés are produced each with their own distinctive style. Provence is the largest producer of rosé in France and the wines are known not only in the region but also around the world where there has been a significant increase in their consumption in recent years.

Since the first rose was produced at Vignelaure 13 years ago many awards and press reviews have recognised the quality of all three wines that are made at Vignelaure. This quality is based on maximum attention to detail in the vineyard to keep yields of grapes down and to ensure the grapes arrive at the cellar in the optimum condition. Individual vinification of parcels and varieties with very cool fermentation using specially selected yeasts with the process from the vineyard to the cellar guided by one man, David O’Brien winemaker, who has made the wine for 11 years means quality is assured. Indeed there are few other Domaines which have achieved such a strong record of accolades.

At Vignelaure parcels are specifically selected and picked at the optimum moment for making rosé. Slightly lower sugar levels and higher acidity levels in the grapes produce wines with less alcohol, more pronounced aromatic qualities plus fresher fruit flavours.

Three distinctive styles are produced

Chateau Vignelaure Rosé
First produced in 2003 this rosé is made in the tradition of a “Grand Vin”. It has an elegance, complexity and, somewhat unusually for a rosé, the potential to age and develop for a number of years. The principle reason for creating this new style of Rosé was to make something which has more body and structure than is typically found in rosés of the South of France.

The grapes are strictly selected from parcels in the vineyard where there is the potential to have a higher level of extraction and then vinified to produce a richer style. This Rosé has the ability to be matched with gastronomic cuisine where wines with more substance would normally be partnered.

La Source de Vignelaure
The classic Rosé from Vignelaure that is named after the natural spring in the gardens of the Chateau. Provence is a climate of extremes and the heat and dryness of the summer has meant for centuries there was a real dependence on having a natural spring to help during the summer months when there was very little rain – springs were essential to survival and even today are associated with life and fertility. The La Source de Vignelaure rosé is made in a style that is instantly recognisable, floral and light with notes of summer fruits, it has a softness that makes it appealing to connoisseurs and those who are looking for a flavour of Provence. Made from a selection of grapes traditionally grown in Provence, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, it has distinguished itself by it’s awards, reviews and medals.

Esprit de Nijinsky
Domaine Vignelaure rosé is produced predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon. It is made to show it’s individual style using a combination of new world technology paying homage to it’s Bordeaux roots and Provençal terroir. Fresh, soft and fruity, dry in style but with an easy accessibility this rosé is made with the utmost care, a cool fermentation, strict selection of yeasts and the emphasis on showing the best of what can be made in Provence.

Quotes about our Rosés

"La Source de Vignelaure Rosé from Chateau Vignelaure, made by the very talented David O’Brien, in one of the most beautiful estates deep in the Provencal hillsides. It is fresh and lively with vibrant berry fruits, and a crisp dry finish – great"
John Wilson – Leading Wine Journalist Ireland, 2007

"The King of Rosés!"
Olivier Nasles – Head Oenologue of the region on Chateau Vignelaure Rosé 2003

"Only by tasting this magnificent rosé can you really appreciate what a pleasure it was for the judging panel of the Guide Hachette. The fruit has a richness on the nose and also in the mouth. A wine with real roundness and marvelous length in the mouth. Did I hear you say it was a vin de pays – don’t miss out!"
Guide Hachette 2002

"La Source de Vignelaure a fine rosé that captures the essence of the fragrant South of France."
Tomas Clancy Leading Wine Journalist - The Sunday Business Post 2005 "The changing face of Rosé"

"Passionately run by former racehorse trainer and his wife Catherine it is no exaggeration to say that the wines are amongst the classiest in the region"
Robert Joseph – "Where the winemakers are feeling the Pink" - Daily Telegraph 2004

"David (O’Brien) has worked hard with his 60 hectares of vines to produce red and rosé wines which can be best described as 'Grands Vins de Provence'"
Olivier Nasles, Chief Oenologue in the Provence region - Radio Provence Bleu 2006

"We liked very much the La Source de Vignelaure Rosé, with perfumes of strawberry, and blackberries"
Tomas Clancy – Leading Wine Journalist -Irish Business Post 2005

"The Chateau owned by former famous racehorse trainer David O’Brien is famous for it’s rosé which has been judged to be the best in the regions most prestigious competition.It’s light and juicy, with pear and sherbet hints – and versatile"
Mary Dowey Leading wine journalist Ireland - Food and Wine Magazine 2005

"Chateau Vignelaure Rosé is flashy pink with great red fruit and is fresh and dry - a rosé to accompany food"
Magda van Rjist – Wine Journalist - Financieele Dagblad 2006 – The best 20 Rosés in the World

"The colour of wild roses with a hint of coral, on the nose pineapple and grapefruit, on the palate appealing and most pleasant, full and flattering with hints of tropical fruit and crystalised fruit"
The best 100 Rosés in France - LA PROVENCE magazine 2004

"A brilliant raspberry pink colour, concentrated nose of wild strawberries, raspberries and sweet red fruit. These vibrant notes are also present on the palate. The rosé has a fine balance of freshness and fruit and is intensely aromatic which makes it a perfect connoisseurs wine."
Guide de Vins 2007 - Official Selection of the Oenlogues of France.