Wine with Leslie: Three delightful wine recommendations — including one from Ridley Scott's estate

Film director Ridley Scott bought an estate in Provence in 1992. Picture: iStock

Last week I wrote about Provence rosé and I have found it hard to tear myself away from this gorgeous wine region. I have loved my visits there, not just for the wines and the cuisine, but for the light and the colour of the sea.

A friend has an apartment in Antibes which we have visited and used as a base to visit Grasse (the perfume capital of France), Nice and elsewhere. In wine terms, we think of Provence as the main source of inexpensive (and also fine) rosé, but like everywhere in France white wine production is on the rise and it is also home to one of France’s most beguiling reds in Bandol.

No vineyard is more than 55km from the sea and the region gets 3,000 sunshine hours, so vine diseases like downy and powdery mildew are rare. There are also several winds on hand to blow off fungal diseases, most notably the Mistral which does a similar job in the Rhône to the north.

The magic of the garrigue landscape in Provence has been captured beautifully on film, most notably in Jean de Florette and its sequel Manon des Source, both worth a rewatch. That’s the rural side of Provence, while the glamorous side is seen every year for the Cannes film festival.

Film director Ridley Scott bought an estate in Provence in 1992 and his film A Good Year (2006) is a love letter to the region, shot entirely within eight minutes from his home, he has claimed.

The film looks great and Marion Cotillard is as wonderful as ever but Russell Crowe is quite insufferable throughout so I only half recommend it.

Ridley Scott’s new film, The Dog Stars, is out now and his wines are also now available.

I recommend a white below plus two other Provençal delights.

Lulu, ‘Les Infermières’ Blanc, Luberon, France, €18.99

From Ridley Scott’s estate in Provence, a blend of clairette, rolle (vermentino) and sauvignon blanc, night harvested and cool fermented. Luberon is technically Provençal but also part of the Rhône (Ventoux is to the north).

This has white peach and lemon zest aromas, a lively crisp palate with lime and green apple and a pleasing tangy dry finish. The Infirmières Source Blanc (€24) is also recommended.

• Deveneys; Blackrock Cellar; Grapevine; Blakes; wineonline.ie

Maison Saint Aix Blanc, Coteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence, €24.95

From one of the highest altitude vineyards in Provence with cooler night temperatures to maintain acidity levels, grapes are also night harvested and cool fermented. Mostly from rolle (aka vermentino), plus 20% sauvignon blanc and 5% grenache blanc.

Lively pear and floral aromas with touches of tropical fruits, a crisp zingy palate with texture and poise, balanced quite delightful. The rosé is also excellent.

• JJ O’Driscolls; 1601; Bradleys; Matsons Youghal; Whelehans; Next Door; Castle; Avoca; Deveneys;

Domaine Tour Campanets Rouge, Bio, Côteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence, €15

A bargain, reduced from €20 this month. Organic and ‘glou-glou’ in style, a juicy and fruity red you can serve cool.

Made from 20% syrah and 80% counoise, the star grape in season 2 of Drops of God on Apple TV, also well worth watching. Packed with bright cherry fruits with black pepper and lip-smacking black raspberry fruits.

I also love the Tour Campanets Bois des Fées range.

• Whelehans Wines, whelehanswines.ie

Wicklow Wolf Heimer-kan Parrott-Dise Lager, 4.42%ABV, 440ml, €3.50

A limited edition lager to celebrate Troy Parrott’s last gasp goal to get us into the World Cup qualifiers, hopefully you are now over the pain that followed.

Fruity citrus aromas with background hop notes, a textured and lightly hopped mid-palate with biscuity malt touches and a refreshing zingy finish.

Keep it in the range, please!

• Bradleys; O’Briens; SuperValu; Independents; McHughs; Redmonds; Craftcentral.ie