11 Jul 2023
As you know each week, I’ve been bringing you my top wine recommendations (including a monthly cheese and wine pairing from Fleetville Larder) from local independent wine merchants.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know our local teams, promoting their wines, some of which have become a regular feature and there are still one or two I’ve yet to introduce you too. In addition to these recommendations, I’ll occasionally recommend something you can’t buy locally – just to broaden your palette and wine experience – but only if I think it’s special and really worth it.
During the last two months I’ve been lucky enough to attend a number of launch events, private wine tastings, masterclasses and had the opportunity to meet and interview a wide range of wine producers.
So, with this in mind, I wanted to share with you one of the best rosé wines I’ve come across this year.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to an intimate lunch on the Dalloway Terrace at the Bloomsbury Hotel in London.
Olivier Fayard, CEO of Saine Marguerite En Provence, treated us to lunch with each course beautifully paired with one of his amazing wines. Now I don’t know about you but when I think of Provence wine, I immediately think of refreshing rosé, but we were in for a surprise, in addition to his two outstanding rosés, he brought over some wines that rarely leave France, a red – Fantastique Rouge and a white – Fantastique Blanc. Like many great wines there’s a wonderful story behind every one of his labels.
Sainte Marguerite is a renowned wine estate in Provence, with a rich history that is deeply rooted in a passion for winemaking. Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard, the visionary founders of the estate, recognised the potential of Provence wines over four decades ago when they acquired seven hectares of vineyards.
Their endeavour was further elevated by the fact that the property had already earned the esteemed title of Cru Classé des Côtes-de-Provence back in 1955, a distinction held by only 18 domains to this day.
From the very beginning, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard were committed to pursuing excellence and consistently raising the bar for quality. They played a vital role in establishing the prestigious reputation of Provence rosé wines, a mission that was embraced by their entire family.
Once their four children were old enough to take part in the family adventure, each found their own part to play: Olivier and Enzo blend the wines, Sigolène is in charge of management and legal affairs, while Lionel designs the bottles and labels.
They all maintain the vision of excellence and are driven by boundless energy, motivating them to go one step further and innovate. In 2022, based on shared values and convictions, the Fayard family and the Pernod Ricard Group came together to create a long-term project and continue the development of Sainte Marguerite en Provence, both in France and internationally.
Together, their goal was to promote the name of Sainte Marguerite in Provence by crafting exceptional rosé, white, and red wines of unparalleled quality. Their journey has been one of unwavering dedication and uncompromising standards.
What started as a seven-hectare vineyard has now grown to encompass nearly 200 hectares, spanning some of the most breath-taking terroirs within the Côtes-de-Provence appellation. In 2003, the estate obtained Ecocert certification, a testament to their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Notably, the vineyard is free from the use of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. Sainte Marguerite takes pride in its 100% plant-based production, which has earned the estate registration with the Vegan Society for its Fantastique range.
“We practise organic agriculture over the whole vineyard out of respect for the environment, our customers and our staff. This echoes the standards that guide us in everything we do.”
One distinguishing aspect of Sainte Marguerite is the diversity of its vineyard, with 11 plots spread over 22 kilometres—an uncommon characteristic in the AOP Côtes-de-Provence. Each plot boasts a unique combination of exposure, climate, and soil composition, providing winemakers Olivier and Enzo Fayard with an exquisite array of flavours and aromas to work with. This diversity allows them to craft wines with a singular signature, capturing the essence of the terroir.
Oliver is very down to earth, humble, passionate winemaker. He explained the Sainte Marguerite Fantastique Rosé Cru Classe 2022, is “a special new blend of 80% grenache and 20% vermentino, the grenache adding the peachy aromas, whilst the vermentino introduces the pear characteristics”. It’s a very fine and extremely well balance wine, great as an aperitif or as I did, beautifully paired with roasted fillet of organic salmon and poached rhubarb dessert. If you are celebrating a special occasion then pairing this with a creamy lobster risotto or oysters in ginger is a must.
When I asked Olivier what made him decide on the name ‘Fantastique’ he smiled and said: “Because when I ask people what they think, they say these wines are simply fantastique.”
His philosophy is all about creating modern wines at the highest quality. “We could have created traditional rosé wines, but we decided to go against the grain. This is all part of the heritage and positioning of Sainte Marguerite. The hallmark of a great wine producer is to know how to think outside the box and continually evolve.”
My wine of the week and rosé of the year is available online from Vinatis at £26.90 a bottle Chateau Sainte Marguerite Fantastique Rose 2022 Cru Classe – believe me….it’s worth it!
And once you’ve tried this one, you may be tempted to try his CHATEAU SAINTE MARGUERITE – FANTASTIQUE ROUGE 2021 – CRU CLASSE and the MAISON SAINTE MARGUERITE – SYMPHONIE ROSE 2022 – CRU CLASSE, popular for its finesse, fresh notes and generous aromas.
Whatever the context, Sainte Marguerite will enrich your enjoyment of Provence rosé wine.
If you are a wine retailer or an events company who would like me to feature your of range wines, then please contact me via mccabetwe@gmail.com or @mccabe_thewineenthusiast
