Spring is here! Flowers blooming, sun shining, cool breeze in mild temperatures; at least between the Texas size thunderstorms! While my daughter was home from college for spring break a few weeks ago I was just getting over being sick for a couple of weeks and  was determined to enjoy spring with a lovely spring meal and wine, but not just any wine because welcoming spring to me means rosé!

I love rosé and I have had a particular rosé in my sites since last year that I have been dying to try: Chateau Miraval. I have read many wine bloggers review this wine, most began their review with sentiments about not wanting to like the Miraval rosé due to its “celebrity” status. I, on the other hand, very much wanted to like it. You see I am a big fan of Brad Pitt as an actor and movie star. Inglorious Bastards and Fight Club are two of my all-time favorite movies; I think he is truly gifted at his craft. Additionally, Angelia Joile is also a talented actor and director. Furthermore, as a couple they remind me of the days of old Hollywood, glamor, beauty and success. I get that many do not like the idea of “celebrity wines” and I certainly can be opinionated about that part of the industry as well; however, owning a winery does not make one a winemaker, as Brad and Angela seem to understand, so buying a winery with great terroir and high quality vines and hiring an exceptional winemaker to make delicious wine will always get my attention, regardless of who is paying the bills.

Chateau Miraval 2013 Cotes de Provence Rosé: This crisp rosé poured a delicate salmon color into the glass and opened with inviting aromas of strawberries, floral notes and fresh cut herbs. On the palate this rosé offered crisp acidity that paired beautifully with food as well as providing a great welcome to spring. On the palate it delivered lively flavors of strawberries, soft citrus, fresh cut roses and herbs along with a crisp minerality that is very reminiscent of Provence. It was light and clean yet delivered vibrant flavors. 90 pts Decanter; 91 pts Robert Parker, 89 pts Wine Spectator. This wine is well distributed and can be found for under $30. Perfect for spring and summer, weeknights or special occasions.

I wanted to make a fresh spring salad to pair with this wine so I crafted a seared Ahi Tuna salad with a citrus Asian vinaigrette. I made the salad using Butter lettuce, Thai basil, shredded carrots, diced green onions, avocado, mandarin orange slices and topped with Ahi tuna steaks I marinated in soy sauce and pineapple juice, coated in black sesame seeds and pan seared for 3 minutes then sliced and added with a drizzle of Sriracha sauce. I topped the salad with a delicious Asian Citrus Vinaigrette; you can find that recipe here. The salad was fresh, crisp, light and refreshing; furthermore, it paired beautifully with the acidity and flavors of the rosé; Another awesome dinner and wine pairing!

From the Miraval web site:

Tucked away in its own private valley in the ancient village of Correns, Miraval covers 500 hectares of land in the heart of Provence. The magnificent Chateau is set in a cirque surrounded by ancient woods, olive trees, vineyards and abundant water supply. Lush wildlife combines with the beautiful Provence climate and quality Mediterranean lifestyle to reveal an enchanting oasis.

Miraval’s exclusive valley location embodies an exceptional terroir. Terroir is the expression of the soil, the climate and the history of the land –the essence of the wine. At the altitude of 350 meters the vines are privileged to enjoy warm, sunny days and cool nights, bringing freshness and balance to the wines. The natural clay and chalk soil are important in retaining vital water supply while at the same time draining excess water, contributing to healthy grape maturation.

In 1970, the well-known jazz pianist and composer Jacques Loussier took ownership of Miraval, turning it into a recording studio – Le Studio de Miraval. There a number of famous musicians like Pink Floyd, Sting, Sade, The Cranberries and The Gypsy Kings came to record music. Today, Miraval is a summer residence of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have given impetus to the heart of the estate as a place dedicated to the arts – music, cinema, theatre, local food and fine wine.

I encourage you to visit the Miraval web site to learn more about the winery and the wines they produce.

My Song Selection: Since Miraval was once a recording studio I felt it appropriate to pair the wine with a song from one of the artists that once recorded there. Since I am a huge Pink Floyd fan and the wine was pink 😉 I am choosing to pair the Chateau Miraval 2013 Cotes de Provence Rosé with Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. The song is mellow, like the wine, relaxing and pleasing to the ear; a beautiful song to meditate with a glass of Miraval rosé .

Get your own bottle of Chateau Miraval 2013 Cotes de Provence Rosé and let me know what song you would pair with it. Cheers!