Château Simone - AOP Palette - Red - 2021

Wine:

Solid and finely judged, the 2021 Red Palette shows just how much class this wine can deliver. The oak ageing brings gentle notes of spice and roasted aromas, without overpowering the fruit. It’s full of character, yet stays smooth and easy to drink. On the nose and palate, you’ll find delicate hints of stewed red fruit, with a floral lift that keeps everything bright and balanced. The structure is elegant, not heavy—this is a red with energy and finesse. It’s drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve over the next ten years. Rated 96/100 by Bettane+Desseauve.

Vinification:

Manual harvesting. Vines over 50 years old. Light crushing with destemming, vatting in small tanks with pumping over, maceration time of 15 to 21 days. Pressing of the pomace in a vertical hydraulic press. Maturation for 8 months in small tuns, then for 12 months in oak barrels of different ages. Blending at bottling, carried out without filtration.

Color:

A beautiful, intense red.

Nose:

An aromatic wine of great complexity characterised by subtle black fruit aromas and Mediterranean flavours.

Palate:

This wine, with its beautiful richness and depth, reveals a remarkable substance, with a juicy and salty palate and a beautiful volume.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Provençal rack of lamb, black truffle dishes, tagine with prunes.

Cellar aging:

From today until 2035 and beyond for amateurs.

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Château Simone—honored with two stars by the French wine guide RVF—remains a rare gem among the region’s most revered estates.

Its unusual north-facing vineyards and diverse range of grape varieties set it apart, but it’s the unwavering commitment of the Rougier family that gives “La Simone,” as Jean-François Rougier fondly calls it, its unmistakable character.

Exceptional across all three colors, these wines are defined by elegance, precision, and depth. The 2022 White is a standout, led by beautifully expressive Clairette grapes that lend both aromatic lift and structure. The 2022 Red strikes a perfect balance between Atlantic and Mediterranean varietals, delivering layered complexity and finesse. And the 2022 Rosé—remarkable for its grace and charisma—is nothing short of captivating.

Château Simone is, without a doubt, the most iconic and sought-after estate in Provence. Eschewing technical trends, it continues to craft wines that are deeply rooted in their terroir and effortlessly elevate any gastronomic pairing.