Notes and Discoveries

Light Red Wines: The New Trend to Discover Light red wines are shaking up the wine world. If you're looking to explore new flavors and embrace a more relaxed approach to wine, this category is for you. Combining freshness, lightness, and enjoyment, discover why and how these wines are becoming essential. Between Red and Rosé Light red wines fall somewhere between classic red and rosé. Their main advantage lies in their low alcohol content, often lower than that of traditional red wines. This characteristic allows them to showcase vibrant, fruity aromas, perfect for relaxed and convivial tastings. A new consumer trend Light red wine is part of a new consumption trend: drinking it chilled and simply. With their vibrant and appealing color, these wines are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Notes of grenadine, fresh menthol hints, and tangy nuances enrich their flavor profile, making each sip a true sensory experience. Glouglou Wines: Pleasure Above All Also known as "easy-drinking wines," light red wines prioritize drinkability and immediate enjoyment. Perfectly suited to summer, they are best enjoyed chilled, straight from an ice bucket, a refrigerated wine cellar, or even the refrigerator. This relaxed way of savoring wine enhances their appeal to younger generations seeking simplicity and authenticity. Choose Light Red Wines Light red wines are more than just a trend: they represent a new way to enjoy wine. Perfect for summer, they promise pleasant and memorable tasting moments. Rouge Osé – Les Jamelles : A light and fresh red wine with an expressive and inviting nose of fresh red berries and grenadine, enhanced by a touch of menthol. This very refreshing wine, with no tannins, is perfect for a simple and enjoyable stroll. Rouge Clair – Michel Chapoutier: Its delicate tannins, subtle vanilla notes, and pleasant acidity make it a delicious and enjoyable wine. To enjoy it at the perfect temperature, wait until the "& Chilled" indicator lights up on the label. Boogie Woogie – Aubert & Mathieu: With aromas of strawberry and raspberry, this organic wine offers a delightful hint of red berry compote. Perfect for lovers of light, fruity wines. Pinot Noir Low Nat – Les Jamelles This organic wine, at 9% ABV, presents aromas of red fruits (redcurrant, raspberry) and floral notes of violet with a touch of oak. With its tangy red fruit and light tannins, it finishes with a refreshing aftertaste.

How is rosé wine produced? The secrets of a not-so-simple wine Introduction Rosé from Provence, clairet from Bordeaux, gris de gris from Languedoc… rosé wines are as varied as they are appealing. Appreciated for their freshness and conviviality, they have become a staple of summer tables. But do you really know the production methods of rosé wine? Contrary to popular belief, this wine is not simply a blend of red and white. In this article, discover the secrets of rosé winemaking, its key grape varieties, its diverse styles, as well as a selection of our finest wines available at Les Vins de Carole . Rosé wine: true winemaking, not just a simple blend It's important to dispel a common myth: rosé wine is not a blend of red and white wine. In France, this practice is prohibited (except for rosé Champagne). Rosé wine is produced from black grapes with white juice, just like red wines. What distinguishes it is the shorter maceration time with the skins, which are responsible for the color. Rosé is therefore a technically demanding wine, requiring great precision to achieve the ideal balance between freshness, color, fruity aromas, and structure. Whether you're looking for a rosé from Provence , a dry fruit rosé , or a rosé for a barbecue , each bottle embodies a specific expertise. How is rosé wine produced? The three winemaking methods Direct pressing: finesse and delicacy This is the most common method used in Provence. The black grapes are pressed immediately after harvesting, as with a white wine. The contact with the skins is very short, which gives the wine a very pale color, often salmon or lychee, and a light, floral, and lively style. Perfect for rosé aperitifs or to accompany light dishes such as fresh goat cheese salad, seafood or ceviche. Bloodletting: intensity and complexity Here, the grapes are left to macerate for a few hours (or more) with their skins. The juice is then "bled" – that is, drawn off – from a vat at the beginning of red winemaking. This technique produces wines that are more colored, fruity, and structured. Ideal for gastronomic rosés , capable of standing up to grilled meats, spicy dishes or Mediterranean cuisine. Short maceration: between two styles This intermediate method involves letting the grapes macerate briefly (just a few hours), then pressing them. It produces a wine with more fruit than direct pressing, while retaining a lovely freshness. An excellent compromise for lovers of balanced rosé . Which grape varieties are best for rosé wine? The star grapes of rosé Each region has its favorite grape varieties for producing rosé. Among the most widespread are: Grenache : brings fruit, roundness and generosity. Cinsault : gives finesse and a lovely freshness. Syrah : brings colour, structure and spice. Mourvèdre, Carignan : for rosé wines with character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot : in the Bordeaux region, for more full-bodied rosés. Pinot Noir : in Burgundy, for elegant and subtle rosé wines. The choice of grape varieties, combined with the winemaking method, directly influences the aromatic and taste profile of rosé wine. The different colors of rosé: a clue to style, not quality Contrary to popular belief, the color of rosé wine is not an indicator of quality or mildness. It simply reflects the duration of contact with the skin. Pale rosé (Provence): lychee color, citrus aromas, very refreshing. Deep rosé (Tavel, Bordeaux Clairet): raspberry or cherry color, aromas of ripe red fruits, more body. Tip : A dark rosé can be just as dry as a light rosé! When and how to drink rosé wine? Temperature, storage, occasions Rosé is best enjoyed young, to appreciate its vibrancy and fruity aromas. It should be served well chilled, between 8 and 10°C. It is ideal: For appetizers (tapas, artisanal chips, dips) With summer dishes (salads, white meats, grilled meats) Featuring exotic cuisine (tagines, Thai cuisine, Creole dishes) With red fruit desserts (either soft or lightly sweetened) Our selection of rosé wines to discover at Les Vins de Carole Here are some must-try wines to find in our shop: Château Pigoudet “Classic” Rosé – Provence Pale rosé, very aromatic, with notes of white peach and flowers. Ideal as an aperitif. Reflets Secrets Rosé – Les Jamelles An elegant and expressive rosé, with aromas of red berries, lychee, and rose. Rich, balanced, and beautifully fresh. Perfect as an aperitif or with exotic dishes. Domaine de Miraval Rosé – Côtes de Provence An exceptional wine, elegant, complex, with a beautiful finish. Perfect for special occasions. Graves Rosé de Pinot Noir – Domaine de la Métairie d'Alon A 100% Pinot Noir rosé from the Upper Aude Valley: subtle, mineral, with notes of redcurrant and wild strawberry. Ideal with light cuisine or grilled fish. Conclusion Beneath its simple, summery appearance, rosé wine hides a subtle craft and a wide range of styles . Whether you prefer the freshness of Provence or a robust rosé to enjoy with a meal, rosé has something to surprise you. At Les Vins de Carole , we offer a diverse selection of wines for all tastes and occasions. See all rosé wines in our shop To learn more Here is a series of resources that will allow you to learn more: How is rosé wine made? by toutlevin.com The production of rosé wine? by the Interprofessional Association of Provence Wines How did Provence become the rosé wine champion? by Le Monde

Our guide to Burgundy wines under €30 Pleasure, terroir and accessibility in one of the largest wine regions of France Introduction Burgundy has fascinated wine lovers for centuries. This iconic region, famous for its robust Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnay, often evokes images of exceptional wines… and high prices. Yet, it's entirely possible to enjoy quality Burgundy wines for under €30. In this guide, we take you on a journey to discover the best accessible appellations, region by region: Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise, and even Côte d'Or. A perfect selection to discover the richness of Burgundy's terroirs, without compromising on quality or your budget. The Mâconnais region: bright and accessible white wines Located in the far south of Burgundy's wine region, the Mâconnais is a true paradise for lovers of fresh and expressive Chardonnay. This region, still sometimes underestimated, abounds with white wines boasting a strong personality, offering a fine alternative to the more expensive wines of the Côte de Beaune. The wines of the Mâconnais region are appealing for their straightforward aromas, marked by notes of white fruits (apple, pear), white flowers, and sometimes a touch of citrus or hazelnut. Thanks to a sunnier climate and diverse terroirs, they offer a lovely roundness on the palate, while retaining freshness. Viré-Clessé : balanced white wine, floral and fruity (~€15) Saint-Véran , Pouilly-Loché , Mâcon-Villages : perfect for an aperitif or grilled fish Our Mâconnais selection: Viré-Clessé Domaine Le Virolys Saint-Véran Domaine Thibert Wines from the Cordier estate The Côte Chalonnaise: Burgundian elegance within easy reach Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, the Côte Chalonnaise nevertheless offers a remarkable expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at much more affordable prices. Appellations like Givry, Rully, Montagny, and Mercurey are brimming with delightful surprises. The fruity and supple reds of the Côte Chalonnaise pair beautifully with poultry or white meat. As for the whites, particularly those from Rully or Montagny, they offer surprising minerality and finesse, worthy of the great white wines of the Côte de Beaune. Givry 1er Cru – Domaine Vincent Lumpp : structured red wine with aromas of red fruit (~€29) Rully white – Domaine Dury : floral, taut, beautifully fresh (~€24) Our Côte Chalonnaise selection: Givry 1er Cru Vincent Lumpp Rully white Domaine Dury Mercurey reds to discover And what about in Côte d'Or? Is it still possible to find Burgundy wines for less than €30? The Côte d'Or evokes the most prestigious wines of Burgundy… but it also hides more discreet appellations, where one can still find very fine wines in a reasonable price range. Regional appellations to explore: Bourgogne Côte d'Or: a very nice introduction to the local style, based on Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune: wines from high-altitude terroirs, fresher, perfect for immediate tasting. Little-known villages, hidden treasures: Marsannay : unique in Burgundy for producing white, red and rosé wines. Charming and approachable Pinot Noirs. Chorey-lès-Beaune : fruity and round reds, ideal for convivial meals. Côte de Nuits-Villages : a serious alternative to Nuits-Saint-Georges, at a more reasonable price. Our Côte d'Or selection: Marsannay Chorey-lès-Beaune Côte de Nuits-Villages Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Conclusion: Quality Burgundy is within your reach Yes, it is still entirely possible to enjoy authentic and expressive Burgundy wines for under €30. By choosing the right appellations, reputable producers, and sometimes lesser-known terroirs, you can access the full richness of one of France's greatest wine regions… without breaking the bank. At Les Vins de Carole , we select committed family estates to offer you wines with remarkable value for money. Treat yourself, discover new appellations, and let our selection guide you!