Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé

Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé: The Essence of Bandol Elegance

Experience the epitome of Provençal rosé with Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé, a true icon of Bandol available at The General Wine. This exceptional organic wine, crafted with meticulous care by the descendants of Marcel Ott in partnership with Louis Roederer, offers an elegant blend of Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Grenache, delivering a wine of sublime freshness, delicate minerality, and lasting complexity.

Domaines Ott: A Legacy of Provençal Excellence

The story of Domaines Ott begins in 1896, when Marcel Ott, a young and ambitious Alsatian agricultural engineer, embarked on a journey across France to find the country's most inspiring vineyards. His search led him to the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, a region that captured his imagination and where he quickly recognised the immense potential for producing exceptional wines. He acquired several estates, including Château Romassan, which are now widely regarded as some of the greatest and most prestigious properties in the region.

Today, the legacy of Marcel Ott is proudly continued by his ancestors, Christian and Jean-François Ott. Their dedication to quality and respect for the land are evident in every bottle. In a significant partnership, Domaines Ott now works closely with the iconic Champagne house, Louis Roederer, a collaboration that further elevates the prestige and commitment to excellence behind this already celebrated rosé. This partnership underscores a shared philosophy of uncompromising quality and a deep appreciation for terroir.

Domaines Ott has been a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, and Château Romassan's organic certification by ECOCERT speaks volumes about their commitment to environmental stewardship. This dedication ensures that the grapes are grown in harmony with nature, resulting in wines that genuinely express the purity and character of the Bandol terroir.

Château Romassan: Bandol's Stony Heart

Château Romassan is located in the rugged and beautiful Bandol appellation, a unique corner of Provence celebrated for producing more structured and age-worthy rosés, thanks largely to its dominant grape variety, Mourvèdre. The vineyards benefit from a distinctive microclimate influenced by the nearby Mediterranean Sea and the protective limestone hills, which shield them from the Mistral wind. The soils of Bandol are typically stony, composed of limestone and sandstone, which contribute to the wines' characteristic minerality and structure.

The blend for Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé typically features a high proportion of Mourvèdre (which is the primary grape), complemented by Cinsault and Grenache. Mourvèdre lends the wine its signature structure, aromatic complexity, and capacity for development, while Cinsault contributes delicate floral notes and freshness, and Grenache adds richness and red fruit character. The average alcohol content is around 13-13.5% ABV, indicating a wine of good body and intensity, balanced by its inherent freshness.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Freshness and Finesse

Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé presents a lively and bright pale pink colour in the glass, a highly desirable hue that perfectly signals its elegant and dry style.

The nose is immediately inviting, offering elegant notes of pink grapefruit and vibrant lemon, providing a refreshing citrus core. These bright fruit aromas are beautifully complemented by delicate white floral notes, adding a sophisticated and ethereal dimension to the bouquet. As the wine has a chance to breathe, hints of fleshy fruit and even subtle suggestions of fruit tart might emerge, adding layers of subtle sweetness and complexity without compromising its inherent dryness.

On the palate, the wine is lively and engaging. It is very dry, crisp, and clean, consistent with its delicate style. The flavours of pink grapefruit and lemon acidity are prominent, contributing to a vibrant and refreshing experience. The wine offers a delicious minerality, a hallmark of its stony Bandol terroir, which is particularly ideal with the saltiness of shellfish. The texture is smooth and polished, with a beautiful balance that leads to a complex and lasting finish. This extended persistence leaves a memorable impression of elegance, bright fruit, and saline mineral notes, confirming its status as a truly premium Provençal rosé.

Serving Suggestions and Food Matches

To fully appreciate the exquisite finesse of Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé, serve it well chilled, ideally between 10°C and 12°C. While many rosés are enjoyed immediately, this Bandol rosé, with its structure from Mourvèdre, can certainly benefit from a little time to open up in the glass, allowing its subtle complexities to unfold.

This sophisticated rosé is a versatile and exceptional partner to a wide range of culinary delights, particularly those from the Mediterranean.

• Shellfish and Seafood: Its delicious minerality and refreshing acidity make it an ideal pairing for shellfish. Think fresh oysters, grilled prawns, steamed mussels in white wine, or a classic lobster bisque. It also complements pan-seared scallops, grilled white fish like sea bass or cod, and a delicate salmon tartare.
• Mediterranean Salads: Pair it with vibrant and fresh Mediterranean salads featuring ingredients such as grilled vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
• Light Poultry Dishes: It can beautifully accompany lighter poultry, such as roasted chicken with lemon and herbs or grilled chicken skewers.
• Aperitif: Its elegance and freshness also make it a superb choice as an aperitif, setting a refined tone for any occasion.
• Provençal Cuisine: Naturally, it shines with regional Provençal dishes, including Ratatouille, a classic Bouillabaisse, or light vegetable tarts.

For a delightful cheese pairing, Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé finds an excellent complement in a fresh, young Goat's Cheese (Chèvre), perhaps with a slight rind. The wine's crisp acidity and delicate citrus notes will harmonise beautifully with the tangy, creamy texture of the goat's cheese, creating a refreshing and elegant combination that underscores the wine's inherent brightness and minerality. A soft, ash-rinded goat's cheese would also provide an intriguing textural contrast.

Domaines Ott Château Romassan Organic Rosé is more than just a wine; it is an experience of Provençal elegance, tradition, and organic purity. Enjoy this celebrated Bandol rosé from The General Wine.