Think Pink!!

William

Monday, June 20, 2011
posted by: William

Imagine warm weather, lazy afternoons, cheese and cured meats on a picnic, etc. All of this just begs for a nice chilled glass of dry rosé.

And why not! While Rosé wines have been a staple on almost every table in Europe for centuries, it is now becoming popular the world over. And here in Alberta, sales are totally booming. The main reason, it offers a simplicity that everyone from novice to expert can understand and appreciate. “Don’t over think, just enjoy” has become one of the precepts of Rosé.

Most countries have their signature styles and wine varietals that they use. In France, Rosé usually come from the south, Rhone and Provence are two of the most famous wine regions made with a very wide variety of grapes. Spain is another recognized country for Rosé, made with Garnacha or Tempranillo. In the US, Rosé is made in two distinctive styles: off dry as in the White zinfandel and the more popular dry style usually made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot.

From a serving perspective, these wines are served chilled but not overly cold as their delicate fruit flavours need to stand out. And as for food, there is a great saying when pairing rosé with food. “Anything goes!”

A Few Favourites:

2010 Sokol Blosser Rosé of Pinot Noir – Oregon

This is one of my all time favourite American rosés. From a well deserving top Oregon organic producer, comes this graceful rosé that is full of ripe raspberries, sweet rhubarb and dried cherries. I love this as an aperitif on the patio, at the start of a meal or with a delicate salad.

2010 Domaine Houchart Rosé – Côtes de Provence – France

Imagine yourself in a side café in a sea-side town in Provence, France. Imagine having a nice fish stew on a hot and sunny day. And the server brings you a cool carafe of rosé. You sip, you taste, and then you smile. This is exactly what this rosé evokes every time I open a bottle. Delicious!

2010 Crios Rosé de Malbec – Mendoza – Argentina

Rather a novelty for Albertans, this rosé made from Argentina’s signature grape, Malbec, offers a richness rarely found in Rosé. I utterly love this wine with duck salads and raspberry vinaigrette, arctic char, or bocconcini and fresh tomato drizzled with cold pressed olive oil. This is absolutely yummy!

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