“One day I am going to quit my job and move to France to make wine” – a short and simple sentence in literary terms, but in reality it is something far bigger and braver. It might be something many people have dreamed of, but only a very few have the true dedication to see through.
Provence is known around the world for its rosé wines. Since the Phoenician Greek era (and perhaps before), a wide range of grapes have been grown and cultivated in the south of France, and it is in this historic, geographical location that a new age and generation of wine production has found its home.
In 2009, an English-German family made their way from the London corporate life to provincial-style Provence living and embarked on a wine-making journey that would quickly win them international acclaim and worldwide fame (take a look at the YouTube video – 10 million people have). That summer, Stephen and Jeany Cronk uprooted their family of five and planted new roots in the small Var village of Cotignac.
Mirabeau came about with the help of a cross-section of English and French wine-makers and consultants and, rather than purchasing a vineyard, Stephen decided to follow a more open approach and began travelling the region in search of ‘grapes from only the best vineyards’.
The result was an award-winning duo of rosés, and, depending on the time of year, also a vibrant red. Focusing on the rosés, just as Provence does (and it is the only region worldwide that does so!), Stephen and his team have created Mirabeau Classique Rosé and Pure Mirabeau Rosé.
The Classique is the signature wine and reflects the classic Côtes de Provence blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault grapes. The strength of its rosy pink colour leads in the aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant. With a healthy dose of acidity, this is a wine with a tangy finish and ripe zest. If your menu is remotely Provence in ingredients, this wine is the perfect partner.
At the other end of the table sits Pure – Stephen and Jeany’s dream wine. Smooth, salmon pink, and delicate, Pure is delicious as an aperitif and food wine. The traditional Grenache of Provence is given punch with a dash of Syrah and elegance with a little Vermentino. “Provençal garrigue and minerality add to its complexity while a creamy texture makes for beautiful finesse and concentration,” says Stephen. “We have dreamt of this wine for quite some time… for a wine that captures the essence of Provence, its purity and beauty; a delicious rosé, refreshing yet with a delicacy and softness, with subtle berry flavours typical of this region.”
To find out more about Mirabeau and its story, visit www.mirabeauwine.com.
