I simply adore a glass of Rosé. The warmer days of spring have arrived and as I await the promised summer heat, I look forward to that refreshing departure from my favorite glass of red or white wine. The varied shades of blush wines always make an interesting conversation and exploration for both novice and well tasted connoisseur. Not just a summertime sipper but rosé is best served well chilled, therefore making it the perfect accessory to any warm summer night.
In the past, "pink" wine received a bad wrap... too sweet, too cheap and therefore not chic. But, each year the choice of dry, food-friendly rosé wines seems to grow exponentially. And this year is no different. The rosé renaissance continues at full speed. Rosé wines are among the most versatile wines at the table, ranging from the lighter styles that can be sipped on their own, right through to more full-bodied styles that can accompany robust meat dishes.
Most rosés are made from some of the same red grapes used to make red wine. After being crushed, the grapes are left to soak until the juice has extracted the desired amount of color from the skins, which are then removed. The juice is then fermented the same way as white wine.
Rosé wines are to be consumed within a year or two of their release. While many can hold up well for a few years, they really do not improve with extended bottle age, thus making the current vintage the one to drink. Blushing from sweet to sparkling the colors range from the palest salmon hue to deep neon pink. Aromas and flavors include strawberry, raspberry, redcurrants and fresh cherry interwoven with all sorts of dried herbs, spice, and floral notes.
Long produced in France, in particular the southern region of Provence, today rosés come from many other countries. And with a price range of $10 - $20; many are less than $12… Rosés are among the most affordable wines.
So as you take a moment to stop and smell the Rosés, here are our top 5 rosés that leaves us here at the HOT report… uhm blushing?!
2008 Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah (Chile) $16 – 100% Syrah and a lovely deep pink color. Dry and refreshing it has inviting aromas of raspberry, wild flowers and spice. Medium plus bodied and will pair easily with a variety of grilled fish and meat dishes.
Red Bicyclette French Rosé (France) $10-12 - Talk about a wine made for relaxed summer fun and spontaneous barbecues! This easy-going Rosé from the Languedoc region of Southern France is brimming with the fresh flavors of ripe red fruits - strawberry, raspberry and a hint of citrus. A blend of predominately Syrah and Grenache grapes brings a refreshing well-structured wine. This Rosé is more than capable of handling an assortment of summer's best fare, from grilled veggies and Asian spice, certainly a wine to be stocked and ready to go all summer long!
Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rosé 2007 (CA) $12 - This Rosé by Coppola is tip top on the elegance chart. Starting with a stunning bottle shape and presentation it only gets better when you pop the cork. The Coppola Sofia Rosé is derived from Pinot Noir grapes and offers exuberant fruit - strawberries, cherry and raspberry as expected but wrapped in subtle citrus notes, which was unexpected and quite fresh on the palate. Perfect for a bridal shower. Truly a delight!
J Vineyards Brut Rose (CA) $30 - A tremendous treat - this sparkling Rosé from J Vineyards is bursting with ripe red berry and lively citrus fruits both on the nose and the palate. A balanced wine composed of three grapes - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, it offers good vitality and a festive charisma be it the first sip or the last.
Mulderbosch Stellenbosch Rose 2006 (S. Africa) $12 - This South African Rosé is dry, crisp and offers good acidity. Its coral color is jewel-like and the aroma is earthy berry. The flavor profile is an interesting mix of fruit - bits of strawberry, touches of citrus, and nuances of melon supported by a deep minerality and some peppery spice.