Rosé Wines

(Gerry Furth-Sides) In anticipation of the rosé season and summer entertaining, the story about this double Rosé release of 2017 Domaine de Cala Rosé and2017 Domaine de Cala Prestige Rosé, a brand created by celebrated Chef Joachim Splichal, famed Los Angeles-based Patina Restaurant Group Founder.  The family-owned and operated winery has a home in Brignoles.  How could this chef who has always served the most innovative, sublime food in his restaurant be expected to offer anything but the best wines of its kind?  And ever the German perfectionist, the rosé wine launch follows a successful year of Splichal introducing his wine in his restaurants and at events.

And it is crucial to introduce a rosé in the best possible light.  For starters, it makes the first impression of the brand, and there with future plans to expand the portfolio with a red and white wine. Established in 2015, Domaine de Cala released its first vintage the same year, and proudly released its 2017 rosé and 2017 Prestige rosé in spring 2018.

Also, Rosé has had a winding sort of history although it was thought to be the first wine ever produced.  It almost went out of existence because it was considered a sweet, sort of lady’s wine, very unsophisticated until the Portuguese revived it after WWII.   And it has been the “up and comer” for the past five years at least.  It’s light, clear flavor, versatility and the festive look is perfect for summer foods, sweet and savory.  It also works beautifully for light summer evening meals.  This excellent article explains it well //www.flametreewines.com/blog/what-is-rose-wine-and-why-is-it-so-popular

Splichal brought on as his partners, twin sons Stephàne and Nicolas Splichal.  The twins were raised in the wildly successful, carefully planned out business so it can’t help but be the best.    Wife and mom, Christine, who holds an MBA in international management, has always been key to bringing out the best of Joachim’s rigorous European training and culinary artistry with her own modern-day marketing savvy. And in this family with its impressive training, The family boasts extraordinary skills, 12-hour days further ensure success.

Chef Joachim Splichal and sons Stephàne and Nicolas Splichal

Proprietor Joachim Splichal returned to Provence, France, where he began his storied culinary career, to achieve the culmination of his lifelong appreciation for wine: Domaine de Cala. Located on 600 acres in Brignoles, the winery organized a group of renowned experts in viticulture to complete the Domaine de Cala team.  Splichal turned to internationally acclaimed Winery Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to oversee the winery operations and make its red wines; Provençal rosé expert Winemaker Bruno Tringali to develop its rosés, and Technical Manager François Rigord to manage the vineyard.  This is key in making rosé because the method of production is influential in the aromas and flavor of rosés even if the wine is primarily influenced by the particular grape varieties used to produce the wine.

For more information on Domaine de Cala and the winemaker team, visit //domainedecala.com/ or follow the global wine brand on Instagram and Vimeo.

Both wines are a distinct expression of their refined, Provencal roots. Splichal’s personal connection to the region of Provence is deeply established, having started his illustrious culinary career in France, cooking at Michelin-rated two- and three-star restaurants in Nice, La Napoule, and Antibes.

Rosé wines are also perfect for warm summer evening meals

In fact, Chef Joachim’s introduction to the food, culture, and overall climate of the region, combined with his early exposure to wine by having managed the cellar at his parents’ restaurant in Germany as a young adult, planted the seed that would grow into the dream of owning his own Provencal winery. In 2015, Splichal purchased the expansive lush property from French wine broker Thibaud Desprets, including a 120-acre vineyard, which had already been producing premium rosé on the land for over 60 years.

The sprawling estate features truffle trees and a wild boar population, as well as a striking winery and tasting room with rich architectural character—designed by French architects Michel Roberts and Eric McDonald—which complements an idyllic 18^th-century farmhouse updated to accommodate living quarters.

“We are a passionate group of winemakers, and Domaine de Cala is a rare combination of soil and climate, carefully handcrafted to respect the fruit and enhance the extraordinary living heritage of the region,” says Splichal. “Even the cellar at Domaine is a combination of technology and simplicity that is guided by the human hand.  It is essential that we preserve the authenticity and flavors of the fruits.”

Utilizing his French culinary roots, Splichal worked his way up the ranks at some of the world’s most revered restaurants before relocating to Los Angeles where he opened Patina restaurant, the flagship which led to the Patina Restaurant Group culinary empire with over 65 distinguished restaurants and personalized catering services.