It wouldn’t be the South of France without a new celebrity rosé, and the new year brings exactly that: French singer-actor Patrick Bruel has unveiled a new organic rosé from his Domaine de Leos in Provence, produced in collaboration with Rhône vigneron and wine merchant Nicolas Jaboulet.
"I talked to Nicolas about our unspoiled terroirs, and the historic winegrowing regions situated at altitude in the Ventoux, the Luberon and the Alpilles, in the very heart of the peace and tranquility of nature," said Bruel, who in addition to his successful acting and singing careers and wine interests is also an accomplished poker player and World Series of Poker television commentator. "It is a project that is particularly close to my heart, and to which we will be adding an extra dimension with this new 2022 vintage that promises to be exceptional."
The Domaine de Leos Cuvée Augusta Rosé 2022 (available in spring 2023 and priced at around $20) is a blend of Grenache, Bourboulenc and Vermentino, and in many ways symbolic of the work Bruel has done in terms of sustainability since buying the estate in 2007 in Provence’s L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
At the time, there was a 12th century building and more than 100 acres, including abandoned olive groves, vineyards and oak trees and truffles, all stretched over a plateau and gentle slopes. Bruel named it Domaine de Leos, a contraction of his sons' first names, Léon and Oscar, and made the pivot toward sustainability, investing in restructuring, planting and organic farming.
To achieve the quality of wine he wanted, Bruel replanted 32 acres in 2019. And he teamed with Jaboulet, a sixth-generation winegrower from the Northern Rhône and owner of Domaine Les Alexandrins. Jaboulet was drawn to the project's sustainability credentials and its prime terroir. "The Leos rosé 2022 subtly combines the natural freshness of the Ventoux, the precise, elegant aromatics of the Luberon, and the concentration and richness of the Alpilles," Jaboulet told Wine Spectator. "It shows a balance that comes from astute blending of the grape varieties—with Grenache that offers its superb structure and aromatic power, Bourboulenc that confers opulence and Vermentino that contributes a touch of zest and a magnificently fresh finish."
Bruel now produces, in addition to wine, olive oil, honey, jams, lavender and a range of cosmetics made from natural ingredients. This coming year, Bruel plans to unveil a new winemaking cellar and, in 2024, a boutique hotel and restaurant, which is to say, he’s all in on Provence.
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