Blasé about Rosé?

Well, you'd better snap out of that mode of thinking because this is not the flavor of pink this post will be about...

 

Love those floating pink petals!

No, at this time of year we are more interested in rosés that can be described by terms such as dry and crisp, balanced and fresh. Hailing from every corner of the map and composed of a wide array of grape varietals, rosé possesses food-friendly versatility and distinctive characteristics. These wines may be bottled with a light-hearted label and stocked to shelves when we in the Northeast are transitioning into the no fuss, relaxed mode of summer, but pink wines can offer unexpected and sterling tasting experiences.

Although it's practically August, we still have a number of delicious 2011 rosés in stock. Here are a few recommendations:



Chateau Bellevue La Forêt Fronton Rosé 

Blend of 60% Negrette, 20% Gamay, 10% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Franc from vineyards situated between the Garonne and Tarn Rivers in South West France. The grapes are gently pressed and then vinified separately at low temperatures. Following an “elevage sur lies” an assemblage is made. The local Negrette grape gives the wine both its luminous strawberry color and lively floral aromas. The supple mouth feel supports flavors ranging from orchard fruit to notes of herbs and spices.

 

Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 

"Pink Wine of the Earth" from Randall Grahm's Bonny Doon Vineyards. Fresh and bright with hints of wild strawberry, ripe peach, and subtle notes of spearmint give way to zesty tones of strawberry, watermelon, blood orange, peach, and citrus. 73% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne, and 4% Cinsault from the Central Coast of California.

False Bay Rosé 

A recent arrival from South Africa composed of grapes from old Cinsaut vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Riebeek area and a small portion of Mourverdre from Paarl region, which adds further complexity. Delicately spiced with summer fruit on the palate.

Château Jouclary Cabardès Rosé 

Pale salmon in color with aromatics of red currant, citrus, and exotic fruit. The flavors of fresh fruit are supported by a good structure and acidity that allows the wine to remain buoyant and fresh throughout the palate. 40% Merlot, 30% Syrah, and 30% Grenache from Cabardès, one of France’s newest A.O.C.’s.

 

Rimbert Rosé "Petit Cochon Bronzé" 

Composed of 25% Carignan, 35% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 20% Mourvedre, the "Tan Little Pig" offers notes of ripe red cherry in harmony with herbs and a palate of blood orange, red berries, and minerality. Sustainably produced by Jean-Marie Rimbert in the Languedoc's Saint-Chinian AOC.

  

Pour a glass, sit back, and kick those rosé blues.

Call your Wizards Rep for more information.