Maison No. 9 Rosé 2020

Pale amber color; strawberry, peach, blood orange, cherry, watermelon, citrus, wet stone, herbs on the nose and palate.

Maison No. 9 Rosé 2020

Dry; no tannins, good acidity. Creamy, juicy, fresh. Light body, very easy drinker. Provence blend of 45% grenache, 25% cinsault, 15% syrah, 15% merlot. Interesting dollop of minerality and tartness on the finish. 12% ABV

Maison (French for “House”) No. 9 is a collaboration between American musician Post Malone (jumble of genres: hip hop, pop-rap, trap, rap rock, cloud rap) and partners Dre London (Malone’s manager) and James Morrissey (head of celebrity spirits company, Global Brand Equities). Morrissey touted a Provence winery that “was producing the most incredible Rosé he had ever tasted.” The partners proceeded.

Maison No. 9 partners-James Morrissey, Post Malone, Dre London

The website notes: “Working closely with winemaker Alexis Cornu, winner of fifteen gold medals and seven 90+ point rosé wines, the founders spent much of 2019—in-between Post’s sold-out tour dates—traveling frequently to the winery. They tried many grape varietals and sampled over fifty blends until they developed a new blend of premium rosé that they were happy with. Maison No. 9 was born.”

The website does not name the winery or present photos of the winery or vineyards. But Alexis Cornu is the chief cellar manager and oenologist for the MDCV Group—also known as the Provence Rosé Group. Cornu creates wine for four estates, so there is reasonable assumption this is a creation by this group under the Maison No. 9 brand. He is an unquestionably talented maker, as this effort reinforces.

Maison No. 9 winemaker Alexis Cornu

The website notes: “Maison No. 9 was born from an idea to bring together a best-in-class winery with Post Malone’s love of the Mediterranean lifestyle and rosé. The clean, dry, crisp finish is balanced and round with a texture that is mouth-watering and savory, perfect for drinking on its own or with a variety of dishes.”

That may sound like boiler-plate, AI produced, celebrity brand BS, but this really is a delightful Provence rosé produced on the French Riviera. There are worse places to produce and tout your wine. It is moderately well-priced and widely available, including grocery stores. Well worth a try even if you are not a Post Malone fan.

Maison No. 9 Rosé 2020 is a light, lilting, red-fruit-tasty Provence rosé in the expected sensuous, engaging, unique bottle that identifies rosé offerings from the French Riviera. This is celebrity effort by rap/rock/hip hop/et al star musician Post Malone and his business partners. Not a cliché concoction, this is delightful pink effort from quality winemakers. Pair with shellfish; lean, freshwater fish; lighter seafood; salads and light vegetarian fare; charcuterie board with mild and soft cheese, fresh fruits, mild cured meats. Cheese—goat cheese; cantal, brie, gouda, buttata, feta, halloumi, humbolt fog, summer-milk comté, cambozola. $19-23

Maison No. 9 website