2025 Chteau des Annibals Ros “Suivez-Moi-Jeune-Homme”, Coteaux Varois en Provence, Provence, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This expressive cuve is crafted from organically farmed Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah grown on chalky clay-limestone soils in the cool, mountainous terrain of the Coteaux Varois en Provencea region known for producing fresh, structured ross. The 2024 vintage benefited from a mild spring and steady summer temperatures, allowing for an extended growing season and aromatic complexity. Grapes are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness, then gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures. No malolactic fermentation and no oak ensure a laser-focused profile: think citrus, red berries, crushed herbs, and saline minerality. Elegant and refreshing, this ros pairs seamlessly with Mediterranean dishes, seafood crudo, herbed poultry, or a Provenal goat cheese tart.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Chteau des Annibals, founded in 1772, covers over 30 hectares of vines (75 acres) in the heart of the Provence Verte region. Most of the vineyards on their southern side of a valley near the La Loube mountains fall under the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP.

Nathalie Coquelle, owner and winemaker, has dedicated herself to sustainability. Chteau des Annibals is a certified organic winery powered by 100% renewable solar and wind energy. Nathalies commitment to sustainability extends even to their choice to source all dry goods from recycled materials. They also regularly control the oxygen levels in the tanks in order to use as few sulfites as possible during production.

As the benchmark for the Appellation Coteaux Varois en Provence, Natalies advocacy was recognized by holding the official treaty signing on the grounds of the winery. Not only do they produce one of the best ross in Provence, they are also the oldest winery, having been built in 1792.

Visitors to the winery can even see the old road that once traversed the region, which runs straight through the winery, and remnants of ruins that are thousands of years old on the property. The high-end cuve Suivez-moi-jeune-homme translates to follow me young man. This name was inspired by a true-to-life tradition in 17th-century French fashion, in which women would wear hats with two pieces of lace dangling down onto the small of their back. The young men would follow behind the women, entranced by the beautiful lace floating behind them as they walked.