As the adage goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”

I have been trying to lead a horse to water, so to speak, for years now – that is convincing importers there is a market for Rosé here in Singapore.

Yes, I know you are already saying to yourself, “Of course there is a market for Rosé; it’s the perfect climate for Rosé… I love Rosé. I want to drink more Rosé… Only, I can’t seem to find a decent Rosé…”

Grand Cros Rose - Cotes de Provence

Well, I indentified an archetypical Rosé a few years ago; a mouth-wateringly succulent, refreshing, invigoratingly racy, dry Rosé from the quintessential Rosé region of Provence and arguably the best Rosé producer on this planet – Domaine du Grand Cros Rosé AOC Côtes de Provence.

I showed this wine to a number of importers in Singapore, all of whom had great praise for the wine. Then we even had the winemaker travel to Singapore, Julian Faulkner, a dashing young Canadian who swept all off their feet (woman and palates) so impressed we all were with his eminently drinkable wines, that it seemed we would be taking a bath in his Rosé soon enough.

Alas, do you think I can get a Singapore merchant to bring some of this thoroughly thirst inspiring wine in? Not a chance; which is sadly a reflection of the apathy, conservatism and lack of vision with Singapore importers.

Its mind boggling really; I am sure if you put a pallet of this Rosé near the checkout at Jason’s or Fair Price Finest, it would be gone in a couple of hours. Every expat I speak to complains they can’t get any good Rosé.

So, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and through a good friend and vigneron who lives here in Singapore and proprietor of Peccavi Wines, he has facilitated a pallet of Julian’s finest Domaine du Grand Cros Côtes de Provence Rosé 2010 direct from the vineyard.

No, I’m not about to become a wine importer, I already did that for 15 years thanks. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, but I prefer to write about it (wine, food, travel) these days.

This is not a money-making exercise either without any financial gain for me, nor do I want to encroach on, or undermine, our importers here, rather I want to inspire all of them to bring in more quality Rosé. Thus after allowing for transport logistics, some administration costs for Peccavi and the prevailing duties on wine, we are adding S$20 per six-pack (6 bottles) that will be donated to Room to Read, my favourite and most deserving charity that has a sustainable approach to educating underprivileged children  www.roomtoread.org

So, you can purchase this deliciously delectable, delightfully delicate, disarmingly divine and dangerously drinkable Rosé for S$25 per bottle, plus GST and delivery charges where applicable with a minimum purchase of a six-pack – what am I saying, you’ll be buying this in multiple cases without even a blink.

But wait, there’s more, while you’re gasping with thirst and looking for a crisp, racy, juicy, succulent white wine, Peccavi have are going to add to the benevolent spirit and will donate $20 per case to Room to Read, for those who purchase a six bottles of their Peccavi No Regrets Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 from pristine environs of Margaret River, Western Australia at a paltry $34 per bottle.

Yes, I know this is all extremely generous of us, and imagine – you will not only be taking care of YOUR thirst but also contributing to a great cause.

I should however add, we shall not be doing this by dribs and drabs, so it is first in, best dressed, and all the orders will be processed and delivered in one hit – so please do not dilly-dally – and you are welcome to send this on to anyone – that is thirsty!

I will be coordinating/collating orders, so please email to me on curtisjohn@singnet.com.sg Orders will be processed and delivered by Peccavi Wines and need to be pre-paid (preferably) by cheque, or Visa/MasterCard

Domaine du Grand Cros Côtes de Provence Rosé:

“An alluring pale pink colour with a twinkle of amber or partridge eye if you like. Quintessential Provence grenache-dominant fragrance, with its perfume of raspberries and wild strawberries amongst summer fields – like walking through Provence bushland on a hot day with the air redolent in straw, dried herbs with a distinct smell of sage and lavender. There is a very attractive spice-box and black pepper element amongst the sweet red berry fruits and nuances of ripe peach and nectarine. A lively, crisp-crunchy palate entry, immediately tangy intense sour raspberries, pomegranate and redcurrant accelerating with mouth-watering freshness with squeezed lemon-juice and grapefruit-like acidity and pickled ginger spiciness. There is more evident succulence and sweetness of fruit on the mid-palate with plenty of sweet strawberry, juicy peach and nectarine flavours yet turning savoury with wild thyme and sage seasoning and a pleasant bitternut twist towards a tantalizing dry farewell, echoing sweet-sour raspberries and strawberries amongst exhilarating lemony acidity – a wonderfully vibrant, refreshing and complex wine redolent of summer, and dangerously drinkable!”

For more on Domaine Grand Cros, a recipient of the Wandering Palate Must-Have Rosé of the Year http://www.thewanderingpalate.com/must-have-wines/domaine-grand-2007/

www.grandcros.fr

Peccavi No Regrets Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

“This classic Margaret River “SBS” blend is loaded with ripe Asian pear, pink grapefruit and pineapple aromas laced with delicately confected, powdery notes. Very fruit forward on the entry, the ‘No Regrets’ SBS is fleshy for this style of wine and gives crisp green apple and focused gooseberry flavours throughout. With balanced, bright acidity and a medium, honey-textured weight the finish is long and satisfyingly fresh.”

And for more on Peccavi wines, http://www.thewanderingpalate.com/must-have-wines/2008-peccavi-chardonnay-australia/

http://www.peccavi-wines.com/au/