TL;DR
Dreaming of Riviera vibes? Le Roi Soleil, a Saint-Tropez sparkling rosé, might be your ticket to summer indulgence. This elegant French wine, blending classic Provence grapes, boasts delicate berry and citrus aromas, leading to a fresh, fruity palate with a pleasant minerality. It's not just for sipping solo; it shines alongside light meals like seafood and salads. While it leans towards sophistication over casual sipping and comes with a slightly premium price tag, Le Roi Soleil promises a touch of accessible luxury. Ready to feel like royalty with your next glass? Read the full review to see if it's worth uncorking.
As the weather improves and temperatures rise, thoughts turn to the quintessential flavors of early summer, such as a refreshing glass of rosé wine. A rosé from Saint-Tropez, located on the French Riviera, promises a distinct experience, particularly one bearing the name Le Roi Soleil.
This French sparkling rosé, whose name translates to “The Sun King,” pays homage to Louis XIV and the opulent era of his court.
Le Roi Soleil is crafted from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan grapes sourced from Provence, a region renowned for its rosé wines. The result is an appealing, light salmon-pink color presented in a grooved bottle, capturing the essence of a perfect summer’s day.
Upon pouring, the wine releases delicate aromas of red berries, citrus, and a subtle hint of herbs. The palate experiences a fresh and fruity profile with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and grapefruit, balanced by a pleasant minerality. While the acidity is noticeable, it remains well-integrated, providing vibrancy without excessive sharpness. Exhibiting a light body and minimal sweetness, Le Roi Soleil is best suited for those who appreciate a degree of finesse and seek a wine to complement a meal, rather than a purely casual option.
This rosé is ideally suited as an aperitif or paired with lighter fare such as salads, fish, and shellfish. In testing, it proved a complementary partner to dishes often found on a traditional buffet, harmonizing particularly well with gravlax and pickled herring. However, it also possesses sufficient character to be enjoyed on its own, ideally in the company of friends on a sunny day, which undoubtedly enhances the overall experience.
Le Roi Soleil exudes luxury and elegance without pretension. Its accessibility is matched by its sophistication, a hallmark of a well-crafted rosé. With a price of SEK 159, it resides slightly above the average rosé price point. However, for those seeking to elevate an occasion, taking a moment to savor a glass (or two) of Le Roi Soleil may indeed evoke the feeling of royalty.
Nigab provided a sample for evaluation. The provision of samples does not influence our editorial assessment.
