On the off chance that we get back to the kind of weather we just had this past weekend, I’d like to suggest a bottle of Rose; as a matter of fact, several bottles, with a sparkling brand as well.
Rather than go the usual route of starting in Provence, we’ll begin a little closer to home, just south to the North Fork of Long Island, where Wolffer Estates has been making increasingly good wines since the early 1970s. Their 2018 Wolffer Estate Rose, Long Island, ($17.99) is delicate in the French fashion, which is surprising, given that it’s blended from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Notes of strawberries, kiwi and green apples are all there and the finish is surprisingly long for what’s typically a lighter wine. This wine is great with light Tapas, summer salads or a Lobster Salad sandwich.
All right, now onto the French side of things. One of the country’s oldest Rose wine making regions is Tavel. North of the Cotes du Rhone, it’s an ancient and beautiful region of Southern France. The 2018 Prieure de Montezargues Rose, Tavel, France, ($19.99) is one of the best-known wines in the region. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this wine is crisp and refreshing, with notes of spring flowers, honey and light caramel. The finish is brief but warm, kind of like our Spring. If you’re having Tuscan wings, scallops with bacon or some Asian food, better have a bottle or two of this one on hand.
The 2017 Inman Family Endless Crush Rose of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, ($26.99),has the essence of Pinot Noir wine is its aromas of strawberry and cherry, underpinned by complex examples of hints of forest floor. You’ll also taste a bit of Acai berries on the finish, which is well- structured and long. The Pinot Noirs from this region are supple and creamy and this step-cousin makes any seafood dish all the better; also, try it with boiled lobster-really delicious!
Here’s one that will do a little double duty-have it straight out of the bottle or use as the base of a superb summer cocktail. Banfi Rosa Regale, NV, ($23.99), is a classic summer sparkler, with fresh notes of strawberries and raspberries, over scents of fresh rose petals. If you’re in a cocktail mood, then try this:
The Mirosa
Pour 3 0z. of chilled Rosa Regale, 1.5 oz. of Grand Marnier and a splash of cranberry juice into a glass with a few cubes of ice. Stir and enjoy!
Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
