2012 Jolie-Pitt & Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence Blanc

Chateau Miraval is located in Correns, in the Var region. Miraval has been in the news in recent years because in 2008 actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie leased the estate and moved in with their family. The couple were married in the chateau’s chapel in 2014 and have since bought the 1,000-acre estate, which includes 75 acres of vineyards. Jolie and Pitt entered into a business arrangement with the Famille Perrin of Chateau Beaucastel, and Marc Perrin is the winemaker for Chateau Miraval. The estate is organic and is best known for its rose, though it also makes a Rolle and a Grenache Blanc/Rolle blend. Even before the arrival of the Hollywood couple, the estate had a glamorous history tied to the entertainment industry. In the 1970s it was owned by the French jazz pianist Jacques Loussier, who built a recording studio on the property. Pink Floyd, Sting, Sade and the Cranberries are among the musicians who have recorded there. Chateau Miraval rose was formerly called “Pink Floyd” in homage to the rock band, though it is now called simply Miraval. In 2012 the rose won Wine Spectator’s award for the best rose of the year.

Provence is the region on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France known for sun-drenched Lavender fields and an easy-going, gracious attitude toward life. Until the last few decades it was also known for producing large quantities of unremarkable rosé, often sold in bulk. Today its most famous wines are still rosés, but their quality has improved dramatically. Notable red wines are also being made in Provence, particularly in Bandol, a tiny appellation east of Marseille. The largest appellation is Côtes de Provence. Other appellations include Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes du Luberon, Cassis, Bellet, Palette and Les Baux de Provence. Red and white wines are made throughout the region, despite the attention paid to rosé. Red wine grapes grown in Provence are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and some Cabernet Sauvignon. White wine grapes are Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc.