Spring is here, and the warm weather is arriving. This is also the time that I love to share rosé wines, the pink-hued wines that are delightful partners for many cuisines. Yet, what is a rosé wine? Well, let’s review some of the basic details.
Rosé is a lighter wine in a spectrum of pink-hued colors and styles – dry, off dry and sweet. Rosé wines are made mostly from red grapes, although sometimes white grapes are blended in. Red and rosé wines receive their color from the juice’s contact with the grape skins. For rosé wines, winemakers allow the juice to soak with the skins for a short period, usually hours. For red wines, the grapes’ skins and juice remain in contact for days or weeks.
Rosé wines are great food partners, able to pair with lighter dishes, such as tomato salads and shellfish, as well as grilled chicken, baked ham and roasted pork tenderloin. Darker-hued rosé can pair with meats such as burgers or even lamb. Rosé wines are made in many countries and have prices ranging from less than $15 to more than $50. However, it is not necessary to spend a lot on a good rosée.
Here are five of my top rosé picks for this year.
Lelièvre Côtes de Toul Gris de Toul, France: Made from a blend of gamay noir and pinot noir, this organic selection is a quite light, pink color. It shows an aromatic nose profile of red cherries, raspberries and rose petals. The mouthfeel is light and smooth with raspberry notes that meld nicely into strawberry notes. Stainless steel fermented, it is a nice rendition of a vibrant, acidic (though soft) rosé that can be enjoyed now, or aged for three to five years. Less than $30.
[caption id="attachment_520448" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
ROSE-COLORED GLASSES: Here are five rosés that are quality selections but won’t cost a bundle.
COURTESY JESSICA NORRIS GRANATIERO[/caption]
Mirabeau Forever Summer, France: Made from a blend of 10 red and white grapes, this selection is from the Protected Geographical Indication designation Mediterranne in France. The region is quite hot during the day with cool evenings that allow the grapes to maintain a nice acidity. The nose exudes fragrances of red currants and red pears while the palate has juicy and round notes of bing cherries, watermelons and strawberries. It is nicely dry on the back palate. Less than $15.
Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rosé, Languedoc, France: This beauty is a blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault from the famed estate of Gerard Bertrand in the south of France. It has a unique glass stopper and bottle design, and the base of the bottle is in the shape of a rosé. It truly makes a statement in appearance and in taste. A pretty, light pink, it gives an aromatic nose of roses, grapefruits and watermelons, while the palate has plum, strawberry and orange blossom notes. Less than $20.
G.D. Vajra Rosabella Rosato, Italy: This selection is from a family-owned producer in the north of Italy, Piedmont, and is a great representation of the area. It is a blend of nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto from five regions within Piedmont’s Barolo area. The nose is quite floral while flavors of strawberries, ripe cherries and red apples jump from the glass. It has a soft acidity that makes it a great food partner, as well as on its own. Less than $25.
Atlantique Bordeaux Rosè, France: A very light pink, this rosé comes from the Bordeaux region of France. The vineyards receive cool, fresh breezes from the Atlantic Ocean that aid with the acidity and ripeness of the grapes. Dry and low in sugar, the wine is made from cabernet franc. Its freshness is evident on the palate with a crisp vivaciousness. This rendition shows us overripe plums, strawberries and raspberry fruit notes. Like most rosés, it’s stainless steel fermented and meant to be enjoyed during the first few years of the vintage. Less than $20.
Jessica Norris Granatiero is the founder of The Savory Grape, a wine, beer and spirits shop in East Greenwich. She can be reached through her website, www.jessicagranatiero.com or by email at jessica@thesavorygrape.com.
