MIP Rosé Classic 2022 – Domaine des Diables.
Spring is in the air! That is why we tasted a fresh and vibrant Provence rosé wine. MIP is the name, Made In Provence, and that is clearly what it is. This rosé classic is produced by Domaine des Diables – MIP.
A lovely salmon pink rosé, that in the first place, judging by the label and color, seems to be a fancy wine trying to make a profit on the success of the Provence hype. But it is far from that, and on itself a well-balanced and well-made wine.
We can see ourselves sitting in a lounge chair on the Côté de Provence, sipping a nice MIP and slurping some oysters in the sun. Living the good life with clear blue seas, some fun in the sun and very well balanced and fresh glass of rosé.
About the Winery
Provence, the beautiful southern part of France. Fields filled with lavender and sunflowers. mountains covered in vineyards and clear blue waters. The region is well known for its rosé production. MIP is made by Domaine des Diables, located in Puyloubier. Diables meaning Devil by the way, chosen by Gauillaume and Virginie Philip, to be different than others around Provence. And they managed to do that.
The story of Virginie and Gauillaume started in 2005 when they both graduated wine school in Montpellier. They moved to the Sainte-Victoire mountain where they launched a few wines, MIP being one of them. They had their first harvest in 2007, and in 2011 they received a Prix d’Excellence for their work and extraordinarily good wines.
The winery includes about 30 hectares of vineyards, with clay, sand and chalky soils, with mostly Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Their vineyards have a perfect location, on the foot of the Cézanne mountain, influenced by 12 winds, of which Mistral is best known. These winds are taking care of the grapes, drying them quickly after rain and giving disease such as mildew or botrytis less chance. The grapes heat up by daylight and a lot of sun, and in the late afternoon these winds cool them down, giving them the opportunity to ripen slowly and soft and develop their great aroma’s and sugars.
About the Wine
The grapes are cooled down by dry-ice when they come in, early in the morning. After arrival they are pressed as whole bunches. Skin contact is very short and the maceration takes about 15 to 20 days, on a controlled temperature of 16 degrees, with tasting every few hours. after a maximum of 20 days the wine is separated from its lees and pumped over to rest in stainless steel tanks. Bottled within a few weeks and kept in the cellar for 4 more months.
The result is a beautiful rosé, we love the color which is clear and pale, kind of salmon pink. A fresh looking and refreshing wine that screams: Taste me. The wine is made of 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah and 20% Grenache.
When we smell the wine the raspberries and strawberries almost explode out of the glass. Accompanied with a certain citrussy freshness and some grapefruit. After leaving the wine a bit longer in our glass we catch a hint of cherries, a bit of fennel and some mint freshness in the background. Even some flowers such as rose petals.
On the palette the wine delivers a mouthful of flavor, some fresh red fruit such as razzberry, strawberry, currant and a splash of lime. A little hint of sweetness but perfectly well balanced with the fresh- and bitter-ness of grapefruit and fennel. Slightly peppery in the finish but definitely clear and well made. The aftertaste is balanced and has an average length.
Conclusion:
A dangerous wine that is made for filling up your glasses once more and more. Perfect to accompany some light starters such as a steak tartar for example, and this wine will certainly work well with some Caesar salad or fresh lobster. We award this rosé classic with a 91-point DWA score.
This MIP Rose Classic and other wines from MIP, are available online through Bovino wines. This review has been written by our own Martijn Coenen.
Price: €15,75
Taste date: April 2023
Score: 91/100 DWA Score
Website: Domaine des Diables – MIP