244MAY05 2023 Château Routas ROSÉ BLEND, Côteaux Varois en Provence, France 2023 (F, O)

4 and 6 bottle levels   $22 (member price $19) 38% Cinsault, 32% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon   13.0% ABVFor the first Rosé of the 2023 vintage, let’s start in Provence.  Château Routas is nestled between Cannes, St Tropez and Marseilles, in the heart of the Riviera.  My brother-in-law Rodney Ascher was honored at the Cannes Film Festival for his documentary “Room 237”, which has become a cult classic, especially for fans of “The Shining”.  Tourism, including the film festival, helps drive worldwide Rosé sales, as visitors return home wanting another sip of Rosé to remind them of their time amongst the beautiful people.  Aged in stainless steel.  Ripe watermelon, white peach, strawberries, minerality on finish.  Classic Provençal Rosé!Food Pairing Suggestions:This juicy rosé complements wood smoked salmon served over a bed of lemony arugula, grilled pork loin with summer vegetables, fresh fruit salads with fresh mint, sashimi and freshly rolled sushi, grilled cheese, baco