Chevalier Torpez, `Made in Saint-T` Côtes de 2016 Côtes de Provence, Provence, France

PRODUCER Chevalier Torpez, a co-op founded in 1908, making wines in the Côtes de Provence AOC, is named after the venerable Saint Torpes of Pisa, who is also the patron saint of Saint-Tropez. He is proudly celebrated every year by the locals at Les Bravades, a three-day festival in May. In keeping with tradition, there is always a proportion of the local Tibouren variety in the wines of Chevalier Torpez. It was introduced to Saint-Tropez in the late 18th century and adds notes of to the blend.

VINEYARDS Around 20 growers own 200 hectares of vineyards, all are located near the sea on granite and gneiss soils. The vineyards are surrounded by the sea on three sides, provides cooling breezes which helps to retain acidity.

VINTAGE The started on Thursday 25th August and ended mid- September. The first day began very early at 3am with the harvest of the Tibouren grapes. Then, the and were picked, finally followed by the Cinsault. Due to the mild winter, budding occurred in early March, but then the nights became colder and led to flowering in June as usual. The water deficit was accentuated by a hot and dry summer which gave smaller grapes with higher acidity levels.

VINIFICATION On arrival at the cellar the grapes are cooled down to 5-8°C and then destemmed. The grapes in the press and the must in the vat are protected by a blanket of nitrogen gas to avoid any oxidation. Cold soaking is performed before fermentation at 3°C over a period of five days. Thermoregulated alcoholic fermentation occurs for 10 to 15 days at temperatures between 15 -18°C in epoxy lined concrete vats or stainless steel tanks. Grape Varieties 40% Grenache/Garnacha 20% Tibouren TASTING NOTES 15% Syrah/Shiraz A pale apricot and pink coloured rosé, this wine shows aromas of 15% Cinsault redcurrants and cream. Balanced with a rounded mouth feel, this wine has a long and fruit-driven finish. 10% Carignano/ Winemaker Alain Guichet Closure Double Disk ABV 13% Acidity 3.5g/L Wine pH 3.35 Bottle Sizes 75cl Notes Sustainable