Rosé Cœur de Grain Château Romassan 2007

Region
Bandol, France

Introduction
Situated in the heart of the Bandol appellation, Château Romassan became part of the Ott holdings in 1956. All 60 hectares are planted with vines, and were entirely remodelled and replanted over a 30-year period. However, the estate has a long history, comparable with the other Ott estates. The house dates back to the 18th-century, giving a certain grandeur to the surrounding landscape.

Grapes
51% Mourvèdre, 33% Cinsault, 16% Grenache

Viticulture
The land is here is rather poor and made up of limestone, sandstone and marl of the late Cretaceous marine period. The poor fertility is offset by the stone content in the soil.

The area cultivated on the estate covers 60 hectares including 40 leased hectares enabling regular control over the cultivation process. Between 1956 and 1986, the vineyard was revamped to re-group the parcels and thus allow for easy passage of modern machinery. Vines were reorganised into vast terraces with varying exposures. Cultivation methods are traditional and the earth is mechanically tilled and young shoots are trained with the greatest care to the plant.

Wine Making
• Hand picking.

• Highly selective grape sorting.

• Extremely delicate pressing process at low pressure.

• Fermentation in thermo-regulated vats followed by ageing in oak casks and vats for 6-8 months.

• Bottled in spring.

Tasting Notes
Orange, peach-skin tones.

The nose opens with a mixture of exotic fruits and citrus followed by aromas of soft fruits and succulent gingerbread – a refined but full-bodied bouquet, finishing on a hint of crystallised orange.

Big and round on the attack with scents of fruit and flowers evolving towards apricots. There is a lovely generosity to the flavours as the wine develops that full-bodied structure typical of concentrated vintages. Long, lingering length is just a question of time …

Food Matching
An exceptional match for fish or fowl curries, Asian or exotic cuisine, sweetbreads...

Best served at 10/12°C.

Alcohol
14%