Alain Pascal has a 17-hectare vineyard in arguably the best place in the world to make rose: Province, France. Tucked away, in the small village of Bandol, Alain, he’s taken over winemaking from his father Gros Nore (or “Fat Honores” as he was known) and has been making some exceptional wines ever while maintaining organic practices.

He farms sixteen hectares of vineyards with the help of his brother, Guy, on the rolling hillsides around La Cadière d’Azur. The vineyards are composed of both clay and limestone, imparting a pronounced structure of earthy, splintered rock. This microclimate near the Mediterranean brings warm weather and full sun, tempered by the persistent Mistral. Alain leaves his grapes to mature fully on the vine, lending great intensity to the fruit. Where appellation law demands that each blend includes at least 50 percent Mourvèdre, Alain uses 80 percent—a choice that gives more power and concentration to the final assemblage. Do not be fooled by the strength and boldness of the Gros ‘Noré Bandol, though; underneath a big exterior is a wine of character, depth, complexity, soul, and finesse.

A dry, light-bodied rose blend from the Bandol region of Provence, France composed 54% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault, 19% Grenache, and 2% Clairette that opens up to a beautifully complex mixture of white peach, grapefruit, orange blossom and a saline freshness.