After tasting Château Simone, we were simply stunned by what's possible in Provence.
When you put Chateau Simone up against other Provence wines, it profoundly stands out for its balance, refinement, and poise. This is a story of terroir: a unique combination of environmental factors that result in something that seems impossible to reproduce anywhere but here. The principle of terroir at its most relevant, it's purest form coming in and adding just the right bits and pieces to complete the puzzle.
Palette, an AOC of just 111 acres located just a few minutes south of Aix-en-Provence, benefits from limestone soils surrounding the base of the Ste.-Victoire mountain. Rougier's property, a 300-acre domaine that has been in his family for generations, has 57 acres of vines (just more than half the entire AOC) that sit amid the nooks and crannies of pine-covered hillsides, featuring north-facing terraces that ripen slowly and late despite basking in the Provencal sun.
By combining ancient vines (some of which are considered to be the oldest in France), generations of blending knowledge, and a 500-year-old hand-dug cellar, today’s flagship red paradoxically captures the attractive qualities typical of the most elite wines of France. To enjoy Simone’s Palette Rouge is to have enjoyed one of the finest, most unique experiences wine can offer. These wines are region-defining, incomparable in taste, and their cellar life is nearly inexhaustible.
Beyond familiar grapes, like Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, you'll find completely obscure varietals lending their voices to the blend - Tibouren, Cinsault, Carignan, Picpoul Noir, Theoulier, Castet, Muscat Hamburg and Manosquin.
TASTING NOTES
Bright, crunchy and filled with energy, as succulent black cherry, fig, pastis and bramble notes are backed by light pepper, chalk and bay hints. Wonderfully integrated tannins, long finish, and just starting to drink beautifully now.
Spontaneous co-fermentation of all varieties in foudres for 13-15 days. Grapes are 100% destemmed and crushed. 1 year in foudre, 1 year in neutral barrel.
Ageing Potential: 20 years+