Château Simone Rouge Palette, 2022

Château Simone Rouge Palette 2022 is a characterful, traditionally crafted red from one of Provence’s most historic estates. Far removed from the region’s rosé stereotype, this wine offers depth, structure and age-worthiness in a classic, old-world style. Sourced from the tiny Palette appellation near Aix-en-Provence, it is a benchmark red that beautifully captures the soul of its limestone terraces and centuries-old vineyards.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Château Simone Rouge 2022 shows a deep ruby color with garnet hues at the rim, hinting at both concentration and finesse. The nose is complex and refined, opening with black cherry, wild strawberry and plum, followed by notes of dried herbs, garrigue, tobacco leaf, cedar, and a subtle floral lift. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a firm yet finely woven tannic structure. Dark red and black fruits are layered with savory elements—dried thyme, leather, spice box and a touch of forest floor—balanced by vibrant acidity that keeps everything fresh and poised. The finish is long, dry and elegant, suggesting that while the 2022 is approachable in its youth with a bit of air, it will reward patience. With proper cellaring, it has the potential to evolve gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining further complexity and tertiary nuances.

Production
Château Simone’s vineyards lie in the tiny Palette appellation, on limestone and marl soils set on terraced, north- and northwest-facing slopes that naturally preserve freshness in the grapes despite the Provençal sun. The estate’s old vines and low yields contribute to the wine’s concentration and aromatic depth. Harvest is typically carried out by hand, with rigorous sorting to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes it to the cellar. Vinification follows a very traditional philosophy: extended maceration to gently extract color and tannin, followed by aging in large, neutral oak foudres and barrels, allowing the wine to integrate and develop complexity without overt oak dominance. The result is a classically structured, age-worthy red that faithfully reflects its unique terroir.

Food & Serving
Château Simone Rouge Palette 2022 is a natural partner for refined, savory dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, duck breast, braised beef, game birds, or mushroom-based dishes like truffle risotto or wild mushroom ragout. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses and charcuterie. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. For current drinking, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the tannins to soften and the bouquet to fully unfurl; as it ages, a shorter decant to remove sediment and gently open the wine will suffice.

Producer
Château Simone is one of the most storied and respected estates in Provence, with a winemaking heritage that stretches back several centuries. Located near Aix-en-Provence, the property has become synonymous with the tiny Palette appellation, helping to preserve and elevate this historic but lesser-known terroir. Renowned for producing age-worthy, traditionally styled wines in red, white and rosé, Château Simone has long been a reference point for sommeliers and collectors seeking serious Provençal wines with depth, character and the capacity to age. Its steadfast commitment to classic methods and low-intervention viticulture has cemented its reputation as a benchmark producer in southern France.