Bordeaux rosé growing in quality

Bordeaux’s rosé production may not be increasing but it is improving, Maison Sichel’s export director, Charles Sichel thinks.

Speaking to the drinks business in the wake of the release of a new rosé from Cave du Bel Air, Sichel said: “The offer is definitely wider than it used to be. In the past it wasn’t the best but today estates are making rosé specifically and it has to be good.

“Rosé production may or may not have increased but it has definitely improved.”

The Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux has even supported the production of the region’s rosé with a couple of videos recently.

Furthermore, added Sichel, in terms of quality and price, “we’re able to compete with Provence”.

Despite his view that Bordeaux rosé is the equal of Provence, he conceded that in terms of colour it was the latter that had the upper hand.

The new Cap du Bel Air rosé is much paler in colour than traditional Bordeaux rosé.

Sichel explained: “What we thought was enticing – bright cherry red – wasn’t flying off the shelves.

“So we did our own research and looked others which clearly shows that consumers want that Provençal, onion skin colour. They identify with it.”