Bijou takes further action for the environment with the commitment to a new range of organic wines, including a supreme rose from the unspoiled terroirs in the Sainte Baume Natural Regional Park in Provence.
En Mémoire de Sophie Valrose
Excellent conditions for organic viticulture in Provence
• Grapes carefully sourced from the Triassic clay-limestone plateau of La Roquebrussanne, located in Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park where the alpine meets the Mediterranean.
• Continental climate in AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence: The autumns and springs are often very mild, alternating with sometimes torrid summers and colder, harsher winters than in the rest of the region.
• Vines are located at an altitude of 360 meters. As the grapes approach maturity, the wide range of daytime and night-time temperatures is particularly favourable to the development of their aromatic potential.
• Area protected from the mistral winds by a natural amphitheatre created at the intersection of the Sainte Baume and Loube mountain that run East to West (Massif de la Sainte Baume / Montagne de la Loube)
• Unique microclimate thanks to the topography and cool breezes that come off the mountains and push the hot air off the vines and down the valley in the summer.
“We are on a constant mission to improve every day and protect the prime terroirs we rely on year in, year out. This year we are proud to source almost all of our grapes from growers that share our sustainable values with 95% grown in Organic or HEV certified vineyards. Quality is at the centre of all our decisions so sourcing the best grapes following the harvest is crucial to the success of our elegant wines around the world.” – Edward Vellacott, Commercial Manager
Utmost care from vineyard to winery
• Mechanical harvesting is carried out at night to preserve the freshness of the grapes and thereby facilitate the extraction of flavours and the skin macerations.
Figure 1 En Mémoire de Sophie Valrose rosé
• Pellicular maceration before direct pressing and static settling • Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats. Temperatures maintained between 16-18°C.
• Short aging on fine lees before fining
En Memoire Blend
The blend of Grenache (60%), Cinsault (30%) and Syrah(10%) results is a beautifully pale rosé. The nose is complex with intriguing notes of peaches and redcurrant. This flavours carry on to balance a long finish.
The Sophie Valrose Story
En Mémoire pays tribute to Sophie Valrose, a courageous lady who worked in the vineyards of Southern France in the early 1900. Sadly, during his time female workers were often mistreated and exploited. Sophie fought for women’s rights and drastically improved the working conditions for her female colleagues becoming a local hero.
