The latest and greatest dry rosé from Provence, currently available in select ABC stores, is the 2012 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon.

Our ABC wine team first had the opportunity to sample a bottle of 1999 Pibarnon Bandol Red one evening at a restaurant in the Rhône Valley in March 2013, during the days of Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône.

The '99 Pibarnon Bandol Red was so exceptional and above and beyond any expectations that we had no choice but to make time in an already very busy schedule and visit the booth of Château de Pibarnon  three months later at the Vinexpo 2013 in Bordeaux.

We were greeted and tasted through the entire selection of current and older vintages with the owner, Eric de Saint Victor.

Eric is the second generation owner at Château de Pibarnon; in fact Eric's parents, Henri and Catherine de Saint Victor, fell in love with Provence and acquired the domain in 1978.

After 25 years Château de Pibarnon stretches over 50 hectares of terraced vineyards situated at the highest elevation of the appellation on southeast-facing, amphitheater-shaped hillsides rich in limestone.

The stone retention walls of the vineyards are locally called 'restanques'.

Château de Pibarnon is considered by wine professionals one of three best estates in Bandol.

The first wine from Château de Pibarnon available to our guests is the 2012 Bandol Rosé. This wine is a blend of 50% Mourvèdre and 50% Cinsault creating perfect balance and harmony of structure, fruit, minerality, freshness and finesse.

Try it is aperitif or refreshment on a hot Florida day, as well as paired with a multitude of dishes--my favorite of which is grilled fish (especially red snapper), olive tapenade, mixed salads, grilled vegetables and red meats, stews and aged goat cheeses.

The 2012 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon was rated 92 points by the Wine Advocate and is priced at only $26.99. Quantities are very limited, don't let it slip away.

Santé!　

Atanas Nechkov ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow me on Twitter @abcwineatanas