Taste-Live: #PinkOut 2012
Hello Friends,
Like most real men, I wear a beard, work from 9 to 5 (Go Dolly!), drive a 4x4 SUV, own an IPad, watch reruns of Gunsmoke (America's favorite western television series), and drink pink early and often. As a matter of fact, I keep a good number of [dry] Rosé selections in my rotation year-round; but, the pink drink really shines and satisfies during the warm summer months. Rosé, with its often times bright and vibrant red fruit flavors and mouth-watering acidity, is one of the most food-friendly and versatile wines you’ll find on the market today. Drier versions of the pink drink, served well-chilled, are perfect (and refreshing) accompaniments to picnic and summer fare, seafood, and just about anything that says ‘backyard barbecue.’ Add some bubbles, preferably made in the traditional method, and a sparkling Rosé can offer nice complexity, wonderful effervescence, and good food matching ability at a fraction of the cost of Champagne – though the latter is quite tasty too. A sparkling Rosé is also a great way to kick things off – be it a party, cookout, or even the day (try a bottle with brunch!).
Varying Shades Of Pink
Now, I do realize that some of you have tried to drink pink (the drier version) and it wasn’t for you. And that’s okay; at least you tried it and perhaps you will “rethink pink” and give it a second chance to dance on your palate and make beautiful music with your food during the spring and summer months. A common misconception about Rosé, however, is that it is a sweet wine. If we’re talking about White Zinfandel and various American blush wines, then you have a point – these are different wines altogether. If you, and you know who you are; have avoided Rosé for this very reason, then give a drier example a try and see what you think. The investment is low (generally $10 -$15) and the reward can potentially be high (you thoroughly enjoy it). Remember these words: Don’t judge a book by its cover or a Rosé by its color!
Below are four examples (including one unique example for a sweeter and adventurous palate) I recently sampled during RAP (Rosé Avengers and Producers) and TasteLive’s fun-filled and tasty virtual #pinkout tasting event earlier this week. Cheers!
* @GloriaFerrer 2007 Sparkling Brut Rosé: Sonoma County producer that specializes in sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. I’ve enjoyed this refreshing and delightful vintage a number of times on its own and with a wide variety of foods. The wine offers bright red fruit, citrus nuances, and pleasant yeasty accents w/ a lovely texture. Fine and persistent palate-cleansing bubbles sweep across the tongue with refreshing acidity and moderate complexity -- a flavorful glass full of deliciousness. I'm filing this one under #MustHaveSummerWine. ($42)
* Chateau d'Esclans 2011 Whispering Angel Rosé: Producer nestled in the depths of Provence renowned for producing premium Rose wine. The Whispering Angel is the producer's most accessible selection. This wine is extremely versatile and food-friendly and will compliment a wide variety of dishes. Pale salmon in color with shy, yet vibrant strawberry, raspberry and rose petal scents that extend to the palate with lovely acidity and a fresh fruity finish. Chateau d'Esclans' also offers three other pink selections including a very limited production "Garrus" that's made from 80 year old vines and is not your typical Rosé wine. It's pricey ($100), but also glorious -- I had an opportunity to enjoy a bottle with friends last year. ($22)
* @Envolvewines 2011 Sonoma Mountain Rosé (92% Syrah 8% Grenache): Two boyhood friends come together to craft small batches of premium Sonoma County wine. The Rosé is a lovely pink watermelon color in the glass with inviting [fairly ripe, jolly rancher like] strawberry, rhubarb, and raspberry aromas and flavors balanced by refreshing food-friendly acidity. A delightful, bio-dynamically farmed summer sipper that should be invited to your next backyard cookout. ($24.99)
* Croft Pink Rosé Port (NV): Historic Port house offers this unique wine that targets the millennial demographic who are more curious and adventurous. This wine is a first of its kind that's unique and interesting; but you cannot sip it like a Rosé (19.5% ABV) on a warm summer day. In the glass, aromas and flavors of strawberry and cherry pie dominate with some residual sweetness and a viscous texture. In my humble opinion, great for cocktails and night-clubs. Get a bottle and get a creative! ($20)
Have a question about this post, friends? Feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com, and as always, Happy Sipping! Stay tuned ...more to come.
Click Here to visit Gloria Ferrer's website.
Click Here to visit Chateau d'Esclans' website.
Click Here to visit Envolve Wine's website.
Click Here to visit the Croft Pink Rosé website.
Click Here to visit Taste-Live's website
Have a question about this post, friends? Feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com, and as always, Happy Sipping! Stay tuned ...more to come.
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