Especially for the day of love, Bernardus Wine offers a magnum bottle of their Provence rosé, packaged in a luxurious gift box with a romantic label. Loved by both men and women for its body and strength, making it ideal for enjoying together. MASTERS talked to director Stephan van der Wallen about how the French premium rosé with a touch of California came into the world.

Bernardus Pon bought out of the family business Pon Holdings in 1988 to start making wine in California, the United States. His ambition? Making wines that could compete with the best wines in the world. For example, the world-famous Bernardus Chardonnay became a welcome guest at dinners in the White House and Sauvignon Blanc was named the best white wine by the Wall Street Journal in 2005. In 2019 he sold his company to Robert van der Wallen. Director Stephan van der Wallen joined to lead the business side.

Normally your wine comes from the Carmel Valley in California, why did you choose to move to France for the production of Provence rosé?

''When taking over Bernardus, Robert had one specific wish: to create a Provence rosé. However, Ben Pon was less enthusiastic about this idea during his lifetime. Because his company is of course rooted in the United States, he once jokingly said: 'I don't want my name on this French shit'...

After his death, Bernardus started looking for a rosé from the region, because we see it as a good addition. We got lost and stumbled upon the best organically produced rosé we had ever tasted. At Château La Coste, in the heart of Provence, where the best wines are made with respect for the soil, the environment and with great passion. We immediately fell in love and proposed a joint venture. La Coste was happy to oblige.Bernardus rosé is our firstborn love child: a French premium rosé with a hint of California. But it wasn't just us who fell in love, the rosé has now been in the top 25 best Provence rosés on Vivino for two years in a row."

"The Bernardus Provence rosé is our firstborn love child"

What makes Provence so suitable?

''Rosé is also produced in America, but it is made from the Pinot Noir grape, a completely different variety from the grapes used in Provence. Here Grenache often makes up the majority of the grapes, this year estimated at around 50%. In addition, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are often added, all typical grapes from this region. These flourish in Provence because of the sunny climate, the cold mistral wind and the influence of the ocean. But what really sets the region apart is the specific minerality that emerges from the soil, a characteristic that is difficult to match elsewhere in the world.”

To stay in the spirit of Valentine's Day: what makes Bernardus and Château La Coste one match made in heaven?

''The choice of Château La Coste as a winery was based on a search for quality that matches Bernardus' premium standards. The winery convinced with its dedication to quality and a unique wine experience on the domain. It turned out to be a perfect match with Bernardus' vision, where quality always comes first. I would also recommend a visit to the wine château to everyone. It is a true experience. There are several restaurants and hotels. In addition, Japanese art can be admired throughout the domain, which is very special.”

Surprise your loved one this year with the Bernardus Provence rosé Magnum 1,5L, packaged in a luxurious gift box. A crisp, fresh and full glass characterized by minerality and elegance. Hints of red fruit, white peach, grapefruit peel and a touch of spice in the long aftertaste.

Visit the website here.