Wine Of The Week: NBA Legend Tony Parker’s Rosé and Champagnes

Hall of Famer Tony Parker is scoring big with these elegant rosés and Champagnes.

Tony Parker isn’t just an NBA legend. Off-court, the French-born former San Antonio Spur has been seriously dabbling in the world of wine. Parker was indoctrinated into the industry accidentally, via wine dinners organized by coaches and team members. “In San Antonio, Coach Pop [Gregg Popovich] was a big wine lover, so we’d do amazing team dinners,” Parker told us during a recent Zoom call.

A couple decades later, Parker now oversees a chateau in the Rhone along with a project in Champagne (Jeeper) and Château La Mascaronne. It’s not just about posturing, Parker is enthusiastic and involved in every project. (Make friends with him and he’ll flex his Bordeaux-heavy cellar.)

At La Mascaronne, Parker has partnered with Michel Reybier to make wildly elegant, ageworthy rosés for pairing with any time of day or season of the year. The rosés are fresh and vibrant, with notes of white peach and citrus rind balanced out by elegant structure and a rich depth. It’s a beautiful expression of people and place — a snapshot of the South of France.  La Mascaronne Provence Rose, $40

“It’s all about passion,” says Parker. “That’s why I want to invest in this part of the world — I don’t feel like I’m working. You’re working with great people, and you have a lot of fun.”

It’s not just rosé Parker is working on. Over in the Rhone, Parker owns Château Saint Laurent, a historic estate in Avignon producing Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Viognier, and Roussanne. Up in Champagne, Parker has been working with Reybier on two different Champagnes: Champagne Jeeper and Michel Reybier. The former is toasty and opulent, with a delicate mousse and a piercing acidity. Champagne Jeeper NV, $60

Kate Dingwall is a WSET-trained sommelier and spirits writer. Her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, and Food & Wine, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.