“Rosé by Post Malone” is an unexpected statement, yet the 28-year-old’s surprising penchant for the unofficial wine of the French Riviera saw him launch his own label, Maison No. 9, in 2020.
As the origin story goes, the rapper was in a flurry of prep work ahead of the 2019 Grammy Awards when his enophile manager, Dre London, introduced Malone to James Morrissey, CEO of Global Brand Equities. Morrissey is behind many of the buzzier celebrity spirit brands, partnering with the likes of Kevin Hart and A$AP Rocky to launch their lines. Morrissey regaled Malone with a tale of visiting a Southern France vineyard producing the most delectable rosé.
Malone’s interest was piqued; he’d fallen in recent love with the category, yet hadn’t found a standout brand in which he could fully immerse. (“Rosé is for when you want to get a little fancy,” Malone later said in a press release.)
Ten days later, the trio was at that very vineyard, sipping wine and sampling the grapes. Working with Château de Berne winemaker Alexis Cornu, Malone and his crew sampled through more than 50 blends before settling on one distinct winner. Bottled as Maison No. 9, it arrived on U.S. shelves in summer 2020.
Here’s everything you need to know about Post Malone’s rosé.
Is Maison No. 9 a Sweet or Dry Rosé?
It’s dry. The brand describes it as having a “clean, dry, crisp finish” that’s balanced and round.
What Grapes Is Maison No. 9 Made With?
The initial offering, from the 2019 vintage, was a blend of 45 percent Grenache Noir, 25 percent Cinsault, 15 percent Syrah and 15 percent Merlot. The resulting blend takes on the classic, pale “Provençal Pink” hue.
Where is Maison No. 9 Made?
The South of France, naturally. The wine bears the Méditerranée IGP, a designation that spans a wide swath of vineyard areas on the southeast coast, including but not limited to Provence. That region produces a range of dry, crisp rosé styles, most typically light to medium pink, with a light hit of spice, juicy red berry, melon and citrus flavors and a zesty finish.
What Does Maison No. 9 Taste Like?
We haven’t rated Malone’s Maison No. 9 yet, but it generally gets favorable reviews on various retailer sites, including Total Wine. Those who’ve reviewed it share that it has notes of strawberry, lemon and red cherries, with a hint of peach on the nose. Drinkers share that it offers refreshing acidity, welcome in rosés, with more berry and melon flavors coming to the fore.
Why is Post Malone’s Rosé Called Maison No. 9?
Turns out, Post Malone is a tarot card fan. His favorite card? The Nine of Swords, which can represent things like anxiety and fear, but also can mean overcoming the negativity and variety of challenges daily life brings. Other nods to Malone’s beloved card are on the front of the bottle, a large sword wrapped with a rose, and a smaller sword in lieu of a period following “No”.
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Maison No. 9?
You can drink it on its own—chilled is best for any rosé—or pair it with lighter foods, like a nice charcuterie board, vegetable-based dishes or seafood, from delicate fish to grilled or smoked salmon. Rosé is also a great option when pairing with “challenging” foods, such as asparagus, artichokes and eggs. Try it with fruits like watermelon or prosciutto-wrapped pears, too. (Get more rosé pairing suggestions and recipes!) While traditionally enjoyed in the summer, you can definitely drink rosé year-round.
Where to Buy Maison No. 9
A 750ml bottle of Malone’s rosé has a suggested retail price of $21.99, and it’s available nationally at web retailers including Total Wine and Reserve Bar. You can also visit Malone’s website to find a local retailer near you.