Pretty in Pink: Rosés from Les Andides, Domaines Paul Mas, and Villa María
Hello Friends,
Just about every day, as wine o'clock approaches, you can find me uncorking or unscrewing a new wine adventure. Being a wine enthusiast, a wine writer, and someone who appreciates the liquid expression of place, a person’s vision, and Mother Nature’s influence, I find wine to be one of the most intriguing beverages out there. The world of wine offers endless opportunities to learn and taste new things.
Arrogant Frog 2016 ‘Lily Pad Pink’ Rosé (SRP $9): From Jean-Claude Mas, a mover and shaker in France's Languedoc wine region, this rosé is a pleasing refresher for every day, anytime enjoyment. It offers a pleasant combination of fresh cherries, ripe strawberries, citrus zest, and candied red fruits—redolent of Jolly Ranchers—over crisp, food-friendly, crunchy acidity. I enjoyed a glass with bacon wrapped shrimp while waiting for some burgers and ribs to finish on the grill. Mid glass, I concluded that this rosé had enough oomph to be a great match for the burgers and ribs as well. And it was! Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France. Other info: ABV 13%, 100% Syrah. Click here to find this wine.
Just about every day, as wine o'clock approaches, you can find me uncorking or unscrewing a new wine adventure. Being a wine enthusiast, a wine writer, and someone who appreciates the liquid expression of place, a person’s vision, and Mother Nature’s influence, I find wine to be one of the most intriguing beverages out there. The world of wine offers endless opportunities to learn and taste new things.
The wines selected for this post are value-driven rosés—sparkling and still. Just because summer is coming to an end, it does not mean you should retire these beauties. Add pink to the beautiful spectrum of colors that autumn brings. After all, drier-style rosés are some of the most versatile and food-friendly wines available. Their refreshing taste, uplifting flavors, and bright acids are perfect for Thanksgiving—particularly with glazed ham, turkey, and all the sandwiches you will enjoy days later. And add a bottle or three to any holiday party or social gathering that’s heavy on finger foods. For further information and where you can find these pink wines, please see my tasting notes below.
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| Les Andides NV Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé |
Les Andides NV Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé (SRP $10): Here’s a very delightful brut rosé for the money. It is fresh, energetic, and fun to drink. Red summer berry flavors are underpinned by subtle orchard fruit and dried rose petals. A persistent stream of tiny bubbles cleanses the palate, and racy acidity makes it versatile with a wide range of foods. Think Sunday brunch fare and party appetizers. I believe this wine is a Lidl US grocery store exclusive. Lidl is a European discount grocer that’s opening myriad stores in the U.S. If there is a Lidl near you, I recommend finding this wine. Not only would this sparkler perform well on your Thanksgiving table, but a bottle of bubbly goes a long way in making holiday shopping and entertaining less stressful. Region: Loire Valley, France. Other info: N/A. Click here to find this wine.
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| Arrogant Frog 2016 ‘Lily Pad Pink’ Rosé |
Arrogant Frog 2016 ‘Lily Pad Pink’ Rosé (SRP $9): From Jean-Claude Mas, a mover and shaker in France's Languedoc wine region, this rosé is a pleasing refresher for every day, anytime enjoyment. It offers a pleasant combination of fresh cherries, ripe strawberries, citrus zest, and candied red fruits—redolent of Jolly Ranchers—over crisp, food-friendly, crunchy acidity. I enjoyed a glass with bacon wrapped shrimp while waiting for some burgers and ribs to finish on the grill. Mid glass, I concluded that this rosé had enough oomph to be a great match for the burgers and ribs as well. And it was! Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France. Other info: ABV 13%, 100% Syrah. Click here to find this wine.
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| Villa María 2016 Private Bin Rosé |
Villa María 2016 Private Bin Rosé (SRP $15): Villa Maria is an award winning producer famous for their satisfying and value-driven Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines grown on the South Island in Marlborough, New Zealand. They also make an agreeable rosé that hits the spot and is made predominantly from Merlot. Its profile is indicative of the warmer climate of Hawke’s Bay—a region on the east coast of the North Island. Medium watermelon in color, this wine is fruit-driven with aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries, hard red candy, tangerine, and a dusty, sweet-like spice, underscored by fresh, brisk acidity. It has a bit of body, but the wine’s bright character provides a welcoming lift. This is a nice bottle to have poolside, in the picnic basket, or at the beach. It is also a good match for grilled foods such as links, veggies, and pork tenderloin. Region: Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand. Other info: ABV 12.5%, screw cap enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
