I am very pleased to announce the arrival at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits of a new wine from Provence, Chateau Montaud Côtes de Provences Rosé 2010.

Château Montaud is a family estate winery located in the heart of the Massive des Maures, the authentic and quiet back-country area away from the tourist crowds and source of some of the world's best rosé wines; Domaine de Paris is another favorite Provence rosé located only a few miles away.

 Our ABC Wine team visited Château Montaud for the first time in June 2011.

We were warmly greeted by the Ravel family; Fred Ravel, owner and winemaker, showed us around the vineyards and the winery. We were later joined by his parents, François and Beatrice, who sampled with us the current vintages of the estate’s wines.

 The 2010 Côtes de Provence Rosé was an immediate favorite; it was a very welcomed refreshment and thirst quencher after the run in the vineyards and later on it paired perfectly with the light, provençal style lunch.

 The wine exhibits a pale salmon pink color and aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries, raspberries, wild flowers and a long vibrant finish. Enjoy as aperitif, or pair with salads, roasted vegetables, black olive tapenade, goat cheese, sea-food dishes and grilled fish.

A real bargain offered at $ 10.99 a bottle.

Atanas Nechkov, Central Florida Wine Supervisor