Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are holding onto their French roots.
Confirming their commitment to their Miraval chateau in France, the former couple—who
launched a signature estate wine line in 2013—will release their latest bottling this week.
The fifth-annual release of their award-winning pink
rosé will appear without change to their familiar “bottled by Jolie,
Pitt and Perrin” label. First shipments will arrive in the United States
immediately.
Winemaker Marc Perrin, 47, who partnered with the
now-separated couple when
the venture began,
tells PEOPLE exclusively that the release designated Miraval
2017 is “very certainly our
best vintage since we began in 2012. With
magnificent aromas of fragrant white blossom and fruit, the wine retains
that touch of distinctive minerality drawn from the limestone soils,
that is the hallmark of the greatest French terroirs.”
“But what makes this 2017 vintage really stand out is
its silky texture which adds a very special dimension to the wine,” the
fifth-generation winemaker adds.
Despite speculation following their September 2016 separation that the power couple would put their
$80 million French estate on the block, a source tells PEOPLE that “nothing has changed.”
Their intent has always been to keep the property in the family “as an investment for their children,” adds the source.
Miraval, located
in the southern Provence region, garnered world-wide attention when the
pair purchased the property a decade ago. Situated in a wine-growing
valley at an altitude of 1,150 ft., the estate includes over 75 acres
dedicated to cultivating Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes – and 26
acres now wholly dedicated to
commercial olive growing. Both
agricultural pursuits maintain strictly organic farming practices which
were inplace when the couple acquired the property.
Respect for the regional wines has grown considerably in recent years,
attracting interest from both amateurs and wine-making professionals.
Last year, filmmaker
George Lucas acquired property adjacent to Jolie and Pitt’s to add to his Skywalker Vineyard Collection.
Miraval Rosé Côtes de Provence - 2017
The vintage
The
winter was mild and dry at Miraval, as everywhere else in Provence. The
spring, also very dry, was marked by a frost episode in April,
unfortunately affecting part of the property. In these particularly hot
conditions, flowering was very fast at the beginning of June. At the
beginning of the summer, the vineyard was exceptionally healthy, thanks
to the combination of a very persistent Mistral and the beautiful spring
conditions. The summer was also very hot and dry, with occasional
localised thunderstorms. The end of summer conditions concentrated the
sugars, acids and aromas in the small berries filled with fruit. The
first juices are very fruity, with softness and a nice balance. The
2017’s are promising and have a strong aromatic potential.
Description
Miraval rosé is a wonderful blend of fruits aromas and freshness, made on an exceptional terroir in Provence.
Situation
Issued from the Château’s best parcels (Muriers, Longue,Romarin), and from selected parcels in the best terroirs of Provence.
Grapes
Cinsault
Grenache
Rolle
Syrah
Terroir
Clay
and Limestone vineyard, partially in terraces located at an average of
350 meters. Cool climate for the area with big temperature swings
between night and day.
Process
The
grapes are harvested exclusively in the morning and sorted twice.
Destemming. ‘Pressurage direct’ for Cinsault, Grenache and Rolle. The
Syrah is vinified partially using the «saignee» method. Vinified in
temperature - controlled stainless steel vats (95%) and in barrels (5%)
with batonnage.
Tasting
Pretty
pale color, petal pink, elegant with shiny reflections. This 2017
presents a very beautiful and intense aromatic expression of fresh fruit
and spring flowers. In the mouth, the acidity is refreshing; a great
elegance and a nice balance dominate, with a saline finish.
Miraval.com -- Recently redesigned website with a few new photos but the same text.
Situation
Tucked
away in its own private valley in the ancient village of Correns – the
first organic village in France – Château Miraval covers 500 hectares of
land in the heart of Provence. The magnificent Château is set in a
cirque surrounded by ancient woods, olive trees, vineyards and abundant
water supply. Lush wildlife combines with the beautiful Provencal
climate and quality Mediterranean lifestyle to reveal an enchanting
oasis.
Château 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 an
altitude of 350 meters the vines are privileged to enjoy warm, sunny
days and cool nights, bringing freshness and balance to the wines.
History
Miraval sits at the foot of Via Aurelia –
an extensive route built to facilitate Roman expansion in the 3rd
century BC – representing centuries of history.
Following Celtic
settlement and Roman occupation, the property served as host to monastic
practice and as home to members of the French Court, appearing in the
Registry of Noble Houses in the 14th century.
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 Gipsy 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.
The Vineyard
The vines are planted in protective
terraces. Miraval’s magnificent cascading stone walled terraces have
been perfectly restored to their traditional form.
The estate is
cultivated without using herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals that can
enter the vine and affect the evolution of the fruit.
Harvest & Winemaking
At Miraval, all grapes are carefully hand picked and hand
sorted once they have reached desired maturity, ensuring premium
selection. Since 2012, the owners of Miraval have partnered with Famille
Perrin to help with the
viticulture, winemaking and wine distribution.
As one of the leading French wine producing families, Famille Perrin is
experienced in producing high caliber wines. With
investments in the
latest winemaking technology and a passion for excellence at every stage
of production, Miraval is dedicated to delivering top quality wines to
international acclaim
© 2018 Miraval.
Miraval
was named the best rosé wine in the world by Wine Spectator, and the
challenge lies in making it a real alternative to champagne.
Omedia created the “Art of Rosé” concept, an interface between Claes
Oldenburg’s colossal everyday objects, Jeff Koons’s pop art and Anish
Kapoor’s fascinating cavities.
A disruptive, resilient and poetic campaign for the aesthete, conceived like a true work of art.
