Folly by Mascaronne Rosé - 750ml

Folly by Mascaronne is an organic Côtes de Provence rosé produced at Château La Mascaronne in Le Luc en Provence, a rare and beautifully preserved estate shaped like a natural amphitheater in the Var department of southeastern France. The château is owned by Michel Reybier — hotelier and proprietor of La Réserve in Paris, Geneva, and Ramatuelle — who has developed La Mascaronne into one of the region's most quietly serious rosé producers. Folly is the estate's entry-level expression, conceived in collaboration with Tony Parker, the four-time NBA champion from Lyon who serves as co-creator and ambassador for the cuvée, and whose involvement with La Mascaronne reflects a genuine personal connection to Provence and its wine culture rather than a purely commercial arrangement. The wine is certified organic and draws from selected terroirs within the estate's holdings, with the winemaking team applying the same meticulous vineyard attention that defines the château's premium expressions to this more accessible tier.

The blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Syrah follows the classic Côtes de Provence formula, with each variety contributing a distinct aromatic and structural role — Grenache providing the pale color and fresh red fruit, Cinsault bringing floral lift and delicacy, Mourvèdre adding structure and a subtle savory depth, and Syrah contributing body and spice. Production employs white wine technology: direct pressing before fermentation, a technique that extracts the pale pink hue with minimal skin contact and preserves the fresh, aromatic character that defines the Provence style. Fermentation proceeds at cool temperatures to retain the primary fruit and floral aromatics developed in the vineyard.

The color is a pale pink with silvery highlights, characteristic of the direct-press Provence method. The nose is crisp and fresh, with white peach, pear, and floral notes — honeyed nectarine and tangerine citrus emerging alongside a subtle mineral thread that the Wine Enthusiast noted in their 2024 vintage review. The palate is textured and food-driven, fuller in body than the pale color suggests, with apricot, white peach, and a bright, mineral-driven acidity that carries the wine through a clean, refreshing finish. Best enjoyed well chilled, with or without ice, from aperitif through dessert.