On this sunny day we were at Provence’s tasting room and event space, here to celebrate the launch of their very own sparkling wine. Already known for authentic and delicious French cuisine, they now have their own wine to recommend and pair with their menu.
Today we would get a taste of it and summer at Provence Marinaside as they unveil this private label bubbly, their summer rosé collection, and new patio ready special cocktails.
The Provence Marinaside’s Private Label Brut Nature was created in partnership with their Wine Director Joshua Carlson, working alongside local Okanagan wine makers OK Crushpad and Haywire Winery.
This is an ultra-limited release with only 504 bottles produced. The wine will be available starting at the end of May by the glass for $19 and/or by the bottle for $80. This brüt was created to be electric and bright with high acidity. A go-to for patio weather, and the ideal partner for a platter of chilled oysters.
As taken from the press release. “Crafted from 100% organically farmed Summerland fruit, the wine is composed of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, harvested by hand on September 23rd and 28th, 2020. Fermentation occurred across a trio of vessels—foudre, concrete eggs, and stainless steel—before tirage bottling on February 26th, 2021”
“After 62 months en tirage, the wine will be disgorged on May 5, 2026, and finished with zero dosage, allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak with clarity and precision. The resulting wine is taut, mineral, and finely structured—an uncompromising Brut Nature sparkling wine that highlights both the energy of the 2020 growing season and the patience required for extended lees aging.”
Even the label was meticulously designed. Its colour pallet and styling incorporates elements representing both the Haywire and Provence brands, with a nod to Provence’s waterside location.
As excited as we were to try this, we did not start the afternoon with sparkling. As guests arrived we were welcomed with cocktails and canapés instead. The former was a rotation Provence’s seasonal patio drinks including Lavender Haze Rosé, Frosé, Peach Sangria, and Provence’s Mojito featuring Flor de Caña 12 Year Nicaraguan Rum.
This was accompanied by Provençal-inspired bites like cheesy bread, salmon mousse, and an onion and olive crostini.
The mood was jovial as we were introduced to their Brut Nature and given a taste. The room was regaled with stories of how the collaboration came to be and the winemaking process itself. This was followed by a ceremonial sabre-ing of the sparkling wine, which I had the honour of doing. I have always wanted to try my hand at cutting a bottle open with a sword, and this momentous occasion would be my very first.
Then the remainder of the afternoon we dipped into rosé with the following showcase and tasting.
More from the press release. “This summer Provence Marinaside offers guests a collection of 33 rosés (including 12 champagnes/sparkling wines) ranging in price from $64 to $825 per bottle. Seventeen of these (both still and sparkling) are offered by-the-glass starting at $12. These wines are the perfect complement to Chef Quaglia’s Provençal-inspired menu. Rosés are versatile – adding elegance and charm to any occasion – from casual aperitif to elegant dinner.”
“The list includes such classic French rosés as Luc Belaire Rare Sparkling Rosé nv Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Provence ($17/$71), Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé 2024 Côtes de Provence, Provence ($18/$75), Domaines Ott* Château de Selle Rosé 2024 Côtes de Provence, Provence ($30/$125), Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Brut Rosé 2015 Épernay, Champagne ($650btl) and Dom Pérignon Brut Rosé 2009 Reims, Champagne ($825 btl).”
“However, not all rosés are French. Provence’s rosé collection also includes such delicious Canadian wines including Blue Mountain Winery R.D. Brut Rosé ($23/$95), Lakeside Cellars Rosé ($13/$55), and Phantom Creek Estates Rosé ($15/$64)– all from the Okanagan plus Nova Scotia’s famed Benjamin Bridge Brut Rosé ($90 btl). Rounding out the collection are rosés, both still and sparkling, from the U.S. and the U.K.”
Provence Marinaside
1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3
+1 604-681-4144
provencemarinaside.ca
