2022 AIX Rosé 375ml

APPEARANCE: A pure, pale salmon pink coloured wine with gentle onion skin hues that shine from the glass upon swirling. AROMA: A fine, delicate nose with floral blossom, peach, fresh citrus, and hints of red fruit. PALATE: A classic fresh and bright palate, a spritely acidity balanced with wild strawberry, raspberry, and stone fruit notes. The 2021 vintage has a lovely line and tension driven by a well integrated acidity and crushed shell minerality, all leading to a surprisingly long and complex finish

At the end of last season long before the vines wake from dormancy we received some healthy rain, topping up the underground aquifers and ensuring enough water for the arduous dry summer to come.

2022 started with a cold and dry January, which resulted in a later budburst than usual. Luckily, the shoots subsequently grew rapidly as spring was generally dry and warm. Flowering occurred in a perfect weather window with little wind, resulting in good fruit set. The summer was one of extreme dryness with only 100 mm of rain by mid-August. Thankfully late rains in August rejuvenated the vines and canopy, and the cooler nights maintained good acidity. Our vineyard management practices of increased organic matter and cover crops assisted in retaining moisture, whilst bio-stimulation using trace elements kept the vines healthy to ensure grapes reached peak maturity.

The hot weather conditions throughout the year led to an earlier harvest than last year. The 2022 harvest officially started at Domaine de la Grande Séouve on the 5th of September. Selected parcels of Grenache were picked first followed by the gathering of Syrah and Cinsault. Fortunately, the weather conditions during the harvest were ideal with cooler nights, and the Mistral wind concentrating flavours and acidity, allowing for multiple picks and ensuring each variety and plot was picked at optimal ripeness. Harvest took 3 weeks to bring in all the grapes from our 75-hectare Domaine with vintage finishing on the 24th of September.

Thanks to the altitude of our Domaine, (Maison Saint Aix is one of the highest in the region) and intensive soil management practices, this year's grapes show good acidity and are well-balanced despite the dryness. Yields are slightly lower than in previous years however, the quality is once again outstanding. A testament to our sustainable growing philosophy.