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Pétale de Rose: The Pale Rosé That Changed Provence
July, 11 2025

Pétale de Rose: The Pale Rosé That Changed Provence

In Provence, rosé wine is more than just a drink — it's a way of life. And if one name embodies the revolution of modern rosé, it’s Pétale de Rose, from Château La Tour de l’Évêque. A pioneering wine, born of bold intuition and rare family expertise.

 

A Visionary Woman Behind a Legendary Wine

 

The story began in 1985, when Régine Sumeire, heir to several Provençal estates, took over Château La Tour de l’Évêque, located in Pierrefeu-du-Var. At a time when rosé was still regarded as a second-tier wine, she envisioned something entirely new: a pale, delicate, almost ethereal rosé, as light and refined as a rose petal.

 

To bring her vision to life, she innovated by using a Champagne-style Coquard hydraulic press, a method previously unseen in Provence. The result: minimal color extraction, maximum elegance.

 

A Lychee Hue and Silky Texture

 

From the very first glance, Pétale de Rose charms with its pale lychee-pink robe — a visual signature that would later define the region’s style. On the nose, it reveals white fruits, citrus zest, and sometimes a subtle floral note. The palate is all about balance: freshness, finesse, and length, woven together with precision.

 

It pairs beautifully with delicate dishes such as sea bream ceviche, burrata with new olive oil, or scallop carpaccio.

 

Organic and Committed

 

Faithful to her convictions, Régine Sumeire began converting the estate to organic farming in the early 2000s. Today, Pétale de Rose is certified organic, the result of careful attention in both vineyard and cellar. The estate’s 90 hectares are farmed on schist-clay soils typical of this part of the Var.

 

A Style That Became Iconic

 

Pétale de Rose is not just a Provençal rosé — it’s the archetype that inspired a whole generation of winemakers. Its style has shaped expectations for pale, elegant rosés around the world.

 

Nearly four decades later, it has become a classic. But behind this now-iconic wine lies a spirit of family, innovation, and authenticity, passed down from one generation to the next.