2009 Azur Wines Rosé

Mission Codename: True Provence

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: In time for Summertime fun, Infiltrate Azur Winery and secure an ample quantity of their Provence-style Rosé

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Azur Winery

Wine Subject: 2009 Rosé

Winemaker: Julien Fayard

Backgrounder:

The Wine Spies are always on the hunt for the best wines that we can find. When it comes to Rosé , we are exceedingly difficult to please. Today’s wine comes to us from one of Agent Red’s favorite new wineries, Azur Wines. Made by French winemaker, Julien Fayard, Azure’s wines are crafted in a traditional Provence style, making them a refreshing and complex departure from California Rosé .

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Beautiful light copper at its heart, this wine shows a ring of fine peach hues at its edges. When swirled, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind a cascade of chubby legs that begin high up on the glass.

Smell – Bright and complex, with a very unique mix of aromas. These include warm summer earth, pumpkin flowers, strawberry leaf, orange peel, subtle tutti-frutti candy and subtle dried fall leaves.

Feel – Soft on entry with a grippiness that starts at the rear of the palate and spreads forward, leading to a softly viscous, crushed velvet feel and a soft minerality.

Taste – Tart citrus peel, young strawberry, dried pink rose petal, earthy violets and wildflower honey.

Finish – Medium long and delicate, with citrus peel, chalky minerals, wildflower honey and berry bramble.

Conclusion – This is a unique and character-driven Rosé that invites extended sniffing and sipping. The more time I spent with the wine, the more I got from it. Brighter and more complex than most California Rosé, this born-in-California wine is crafted in a true Provence style that give the wine a unique overall profile. This, in turn, provide you with a truly unique sipping experience that should no fan of Rosé should miss. We paired our sample bottles with shredded pork tacos, which worked beautifully. I would also recommend serving with an assortment of hard cheeses, such as a Mimolette. Most of all, enjoy this complex and character-filled Rosé with good friends!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Julien Fayard

WINE EDUCATION: Master of Agribusiness at the Agricultural university of Angers : ESA, Master in Winemaking and fermentation sciences

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Azurwines (Napa, USA) 07 – Present – Owner; Atelier Melka (Napa, USA), 06 – present – Position: Managing director, Projects: Lail Vineyards, Parallel Napa Valley, Gemstone, Melkawines, Dalla Valle, Norma Hunt, Tusk, Feathered Horse, Marston Family, Quintessa: 2003 Harvest intern

Outside of California: Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Chateau Sainte Marguerite

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Let the site speaks for itself. Be non-interventionist.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Napa: A Burgundian approach of Cabernet Sauvignon”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 2007

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Julien. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Rose today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

WINEMAKER: It is my pleasure.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

WINEMAKER: I cannot recall a specific experience. Being born and raised in France, I grew up around wine and organically grew into the wine business. I am fascinated by the complexity of wine and the young child intrigue around the family table became a daily passion

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

WINEMAKER: In California , my mentor is Philippe Melka which I had the chance to work closely with since 2006. Most influential wines would be Dalla Valle and Lail Vineyards.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

WINEMAKER: Today we are featuring Azur Rose 2009. This wine is a dry rose composed of Syrah and a little bit of Semillon. I respect the way rose are made on the French Riviera and use the exact same technique with California fruits that I named Method Provencale: it involves, 100% direct press, cold fermentation and stainless steel aging. What sets Azur apart from the other rose is the dedication of the fruits for the project: Vineyards are 100% farmed to produce rose, grapes are picked at optimum maturity for rose. And this makes all the difference and sets Azur apart from its competition.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

WINEMAKER: What is your favorite dish? Azur rose is very versatile and a gastronomical delight to be paired with. Try, you’ll be surprised!

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

WINEMAKER: Making wine, year round – full schedule.

RED: Thank you for visiting with us today, Julien. We love your rose!

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