FLC #27 Jean-René de Fleurieu / Château de Montfrin

Château de Montfrin is a historic château that has hosted many important historical French figures over its centuries-old lifetime. The current winemaker and owner, Jean-René de Fleurieu, made his name first as a fashion photographer and film director before returning to the château in the 1990s. From the outset Jean-René has farmed the land organically, whilst striving to create accessibly priced wines. While organic wine farming has become more mainstream in recent years, it was a unique pairing in the ‘90s – it was a brilliant decision that has paid off greatly. Jean-René is eternally grateful to his upbringing in the local village. This dedication and respect to the land and the village is reflected in the wines – they are delicious, approachable and somehow familiar.

The vineyards of Château de Montfrin sit in a truly amazing region of Southern France, right on the point where the southern Rhône Valley, the Languedoc and Provence meet. There is over 200ha of organic mixed farming on the property, and the cool nights and a little coastal breeze creates wines that are more delicate and lighter than their Western and Northern counterparts.

The Cherche Midi Rosé is a part of the relaxed, casual brand ‘Cherche Midi’ produced by Château de Montfrin. A ‘cherche midi’ in colloquial French is a ‘noon-seeker’ – someone who is looking to invite themselves in for a free lunch. The Cherche Midi range is an excellent option for those who want to have a handy bottle to share with their local cherche midi who just happens to be around when food is getting served! Production of this range is overseen by Benjamin Beguin and Aurore de Fleurieu (Jean-René’s son). They use grapes from the estate’s organic vineyards to create wines that are enjoyable, ready to drink now, and offer great value.

The rosé is a blend of typical Rhône varieties – Carignan, Caladoc and Merlot. It is pale in colour, with delicate aromas of red berries. The palate is dry and refreshing, with notes of strawberries. This won’t go amiss during the late summer evening barbecues, or for when you want to capture a bit of summer in the early autumn!