Chateau Simone Rouge 2020

Château Simone Rouge 2020 is one of Provence’s most characterful and ageworthy reds, far removed from the region’s typical rosé-led image. Sourced from the historic Palette appellation just outside Aix-en-Provence, this wine blends Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah into a deeply traditional, cellar‑worthy expression. It is a benchmark bottle for collectors seeking authenticity, complexity and old‑world craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Château Simone Rouge 2020 shows a deep garnet core with ruby highlights at the rim, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is remarkably complex: wild red and black berries, dried cherry and plum mingle with notes of garrigue herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, blood orange zest, licorice and a subtle iron-mineral edge. On the palate, this is structured yet elegant, with medium to full body, finely grained tannins and vibrant, mouthwatering acidity. Flavors of dark cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant and ripe strawberry unfold into layers of dried herbs, leather, black tea, forest floor and sweet spice. The finish is long, savory and slightly saline, reflecting its limestone-rich terroir. 2020 is approachable in its youth with a short decant, but its balance and structure suggest excellent aging potential of 10–20 years, gaining in aromatic nuance, silkiness and complexity over time.

Production
Château Simone lies in the tiny, prestigious Palette appellation in Provence, where vineyards are nestled in a natural amphitheater of forested hills and limestone outcrops. The vines, many of them very old, are planted on stony, limestone and clay slopes that ensure low yields and intense concentration, cooled by local winds and moderated by the surrounding woods. Harvest is traditionally done by hand, with careful sorting in the vineyard and at the cellar to preserve only the healthiest, ripest fruit. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, often with a relatively classical, slow maceration to build structure and extract fine tannins rather than overt power. The wine is then aged—typically in a combination of large oak foudres and older barrels—to integrate its components and develop complexity, while respecting the natural character of the grapes and the Palette terroir. Minimal intervention and a resolutely traditional approach define the style.

Food & Serving
Château Simone Rouge 2020 is a natural partner for refined, savory dishes such as roast lamb with Provençal herbs, beef ribeye, duck breast, game birds, braised rabbit, or slow-cooked stews like daube provençale. It also shines alongside mature hard cheeses, mushroom dishes, truffle risotto and charcuterie with earthy accents. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both its aromatic complexity and freshness. Decant for 1–2 hours in its youth to soften the tannins and open up the bouquet; older bottles should be decanted gently and briefly, mainly to remove sediment.

Producer
Château Simone is one of Provence’s most historic and revered estates, located near Aix-en-Provence in the small Palette appellation. The estate’s winegrowing history dates back several centuries, and it has long been recognized as a guardian of traditional Provençal winemaking, producing ageworthy reds, whites and rosés long before the modern popularity of pale rosé. Thanks to its old vines, unique forest-surrounded amphitheater of vineyards and commitment to classical methods, Château Simone has become a reference point for serious, terroir-driven wines from southern France. Its Palette wines are highly sought after by sommeliers and collectors worldwide, and the estate is often cited as one of the region’s most important and distinctive producers.