29 May 2024
Rosé wine isn’t just reserved for summer; it’s increasingly enjoyed year-round- which is just as well given our British weather!
While it’s delightful during warmer months, its fresh, light, and fruit-driven character makes it a great choice for any season.
More recently more and more winemakers are producing top end premium rosé wines that can be enjoyed with a wide range of food pairings.
This week, I’ve been tasting wines from Bijou, a modern, elegant, and sustainable hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, in Southern France. With a commitment to affordable luxury, Bijou crafts wines that embody the essence of the Mediterranean, but believes that exceptional wine need not break the bank. Their commitment to quality and affordability resonates with wine lovers worldwide.
Their story begins in Cabrières, where vineyards bask in the Mediterranean sun. The limestone-rich soil imparts minerality to the grapes, resulting in wines with character and finesse.
It’s here that Bijou’s winemakers carefully select indigenous grape varieties, capturing the spirit of the land. In recent months, Bijou’s portfolio has received numerous awards, including gold and double gold medals at the Drinks Business Global Wine Masters and at Sakura Awards 2024.
Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé (£10.99 from Waitrose)
Bijou’s flagship wine is named after a lady who worked in the Languedoc vineyards during the late 19th century and became something of a local hero. At the time, it was largely women who worked in the vineyards, pruning and harvesting the vines. Sadly, these women were often mistreated, over-worked and under-paid. Sophie fought for women’s rights and drastically improved workingconditions for her fellow women in the vineyard in which she worked. Bijou is a tribute to her memory, and we share her story on the back of every bottle sold. Our rosé is made from grapes sourced from handpicked bush vines, alike those that Sophie would’ve harvested herself many years ago.
Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé, a blend of 45% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 10% Caladoc, and 5% Syrah is sourced from HVE level 3 vineyards in Coteaux de Béziers, a Languedoc terroir lying between Bassin de Thau and Gruissan. This certification underscores Bijou’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that wines are produced sustainably while preserving the unique terroir of this unique region. It’s a dry, bold and refreshing rosé with juicy red summer fruits and a velvety
smooth finish. This wine is great on its own and dangerously drinkable – be warned!
Eminence de Bijou Rosé (£14.99 from Waitrose)
Made with a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 5% Rolle, sourced from two carefully selected parcels of low-yielding vines near the Mediterranean Coast, this a seriously, elegant wine with a well-structure profile that evolves gracefully. The Grenache contributes flavours of ripe raspberry and redcurrant, while the Rolle adds zesty citrus notes. This harmonious combination creates a complex and layered wine. It’s a wine that’s made for food and I’d recommend pairing it with grilled seafood or fresh seasonal salads.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Bijou’s wine range then you’ll be delighted to hear they have recently announced a new partnership with Ocado, the UK’s leading online grocer. Four new wines from three unique and undiscovered regions in southern France are now available. The collaboration also offers an opportunity to broaden the Sophie Valrose range which already has a strong following in more than 40 countries around the world.
Edward Vellacott, commercial director at Bijou Wine said: “As ecommerce continues to gain momentum, our partnership with Ocado marks a pivotal moment for Bijou. We are delighted to bring our award-winning portfolio to the doorsteps of consumers across the UK and continue to provide excitement to the Southern French wine category. Our dedication to discovering untouched vineyards along the Mediterranean Coast, from the Spanish border to Provence, remains unparalleled and this cool-climate Pinot Noir from the foothills of the Pyrenees is a personal favourite. I am proud that we remain at the forefront of innovation in the ever-evolving wine industry whether it be through our unique sourcing program, sustainable formats, or route to market.”
Explore Bijou’s website for virtual vineyard tours, food pairing tips, and captivating stories from the winemakers.
