Learn How to Pick the Perfect Rosé With This Quiz
If you’re team “rosé all day,” you probably already knew that the best rosés come from the iconic region of Provence. But did you know that Provence itself is divided into distinct appellations? Appellations are geographic subregions where differences in soil type, elevation, wind patterns, and even plants growing nearby make for a unique terroir (the yield and production methods can also be different). So a rosé from Coteaux Varois en Provence can actually be a very different wine compared with one from Côtes de Provence or Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.
Since, sadly, we can’t all be in Provence tasting wines right now, we consulted the experts at Wines of Provence to help us figure out which appellation most suits your taste based on your favorite iconic French films, fashion, and more. The result is this quiz. Rosé away!
1. Who is your favorite foodie film character?
A. Juliette Binoche as Vianne Rocher in Chocolat
B. Meryl Streep as Julia Child in Julie & Julia
C. Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory in The Hundred-Foot Journey
2. Which French style icon are you?
A. Brigitte Bardot
B. Marion Cotillard
C. Inès de la Fressange
3. Which iconic movie role is your favorite?
A. Audrey Tatou in Amélie
B. Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face
C. Léa Seydoux in Midnight in Paris
4. Which French fashion designer most suits your style?
A. Coco Chanel
B. Christian Dior
C. Yves Saint Laurent
5. Which classic French landmark are you?
A. The Moulin Rouge
B. The Palace of Versailles
C. The Eiffel Tower
Answers:
Mostly A’s: Coteaux Varois en Provence
You know how to bring a bit of French flair to the party! Coteaux Varois en Provence is known for producing some of the most memorable rosés in Provence. The appellation is categorized by its “calcareous” soil–stony, loamy clay and limestone that allows for the optimal drainage grapes require. Ninety percent of the wine produced in this appellation is rosé, and it’s known for grape varietals including Grenache and Syrah. Expect a rosé with an intimate charm: It’s slightly spicier, meatier notes stand up well to grilled veggies, spicy pizzas, and eggplant parm.
Mostly B’s: Côtes de Provence
Ah, the most famous (and OG) appellation. Côtes de Provence wines feature notes of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lemons), slightly sharp notes of red fruit (redcurrants, strawberries, raspberries and cherries), and some floral notes (hawthorn, fennel). These are ideal beach wines with a delicious charm. Pair it with simply-prepared, fresh seafood that lets the complexity of the wine stand on its own. Like Christian Dior, Funny Face, and Provence itself, there’s something for everyone to love in these wines.
Mostly C’s: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence produces rosés that are iconically French with a cosmopolitan flare. This vast appellation is made up of specific soils, sub-soils, and mesoclimates that make it deserving of its own designation. Chic and expressive, these rosés pair perfectly with Mediterranean and Asian dishes.
Whichever Wines of Provence appellation your rosé comes from, it’s sure to be iconic. These appellations are part of the Wines of Provence organization, which represents the ultimate in rosé wines and are considered the gold standard worldwide. The region is, in fact, the birthplace of winemaking in France and today is the only winemaking region in the world specializing in rosé. If you’re looking for a true rosé, look no further than Provence.