Reasons to think pink
While there are still some warm afternoons left, the wine to consider is rosé. Don’t let the color fool you. Many years have passed since white zinfandel has passed my lips. It can be sticky sweet, almost reminiscent of Kool-Aid. But all pink is not white zin. Though some rosés may display higher sugar levels, as in France’s Anjou, many are dry, fruity, and refreshing—making them the perfect glass filler for a hot day when red would normally overwhelm the senses. Therefore, enjoy the best of both worlds: red grapes encased in the cool, crisp styles of whites.
Rosés begin from red grapes but only remain in contact with the skins a brief time, usually less than 24 hours. Draining or pressing juice from the skins will result in the in-between wine spanning a range of pinkish hues–and possibly in a more concentrated red wine. The French refer to this as saignée, meaning ‘bled,’ and it is the preferred technique, as opposed to blending red wine into already-made white.
In warmer areas of France, such as Languedoc-Roussillon, southern Rhone, and the Loire Valley, rosés are quite in style. Provence is also well known for such wines but they seem at their best when drunk right there in the sun.
France isn’t the only place making quality pinks, though. Spain also stands out, as well as California. Bonny Doon Big House Pink is relatively easy to find. The Martella brand sports a delicious one made from Grenache. And even South Africa joins the game with the tasty Goats Do Roam. Another selling point for these wines is the price. They are usually less than $20, some closer to the $10 range.
A nice, crisp rosé tastes great on its own or even better with BBQ or picnic fare. So, throw stereotypes out the window, grab a blanket and a picnic basket filled with ham, barbequed chicken, or Asian-style veal, and put some rosé in a chiller.
In reality, it doesn’t even need to be hot outside to enjoy these wines. Just crank up the heat and pretend.
rosé, Anjou, saignée, Provence, Bonny Doon, Martella, Goats Do Roam
October 18th, 2006 at 11:43 am
Unfortunately, I am not half as picky as I come to wines. I tend to hate anything that isn’t dry. We have a store around there that got a major write up in NY Times a few years ago. The owner purchases wines from stores that are closing throughout New England and then sells them for ridiculous prices. I just bought a case of Little Penguin’s White Shiraz for $18. And they have a promise that if any of the wine has turned, they will give you new wine plus a $10 gift certificate, so I’m always happy to spend my money there.
So if I like the White Shiraz, what is similar? Nothing too sweet - I really prefer dry.
October 18th, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Tracy,
I’ve actually never had White Shiraz, so I’ve added it to my shopping list. In the meantime, I’ve gathered that it’s crisp,with berry flavors, dry…but not too dry. I think you would like the Martella Grenache Rose or a rose made from Pinot Noir, by a good winery like David Bruce or Elk Cove. But you’ve made me think of another blog topic. Sparkling shiraz, coming soon. (thanks!)
October 24th, 2006 at 1:12 pm
I haven’t been much of a pink fan, butI may have to try one of your suggestions. and by the way, your title gave me an idea for a blog. it’s breast cancer awareness month and i totally forgot about addressing that in my blog. think pink turned my light bulb on. thanks!
October 27th, 2006 at 9:17 am
When I was working the Monterey Wine Festival for Parducci a few years ago, I had a man approach my table. I asked, as usual, if he wanted red or white wine. He said, “There’s no such thing as WHITE wine, honey.” Hrrmph. Wine snob! -Jill
January 2nd, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Ok - so this is late, but I just got around to it. I picked up a bottle of the Goats Do Roam rosé while out Christmas shopping. The other night, having friends in from out of town, we had just returned from a huge TX style BBQ dinner out to suit the friend in from CA. Afterwards, everyone was interested in some Scotch Brian was opening. So I chose this time to spring open the rosé. Oh my YUM! Totally out of season, but I sat near the fireplace and decided that a not-too-sweet rosé is definitely on my new FAV list. And now I must buy a notebook for tasting notes before I begin to forget all the new things I’m trying lately. Thanks, Farls!!!
January 3rd, 2007 at 3:19 am
Not out of season! There’s always room for rose’.I just drank some myself the other day, perfect with oysters and turkey sandwiches. Or just perfect.
Yes, buy a book. Did you read that blog? It was so much fun to look back over Kelly’s journal that I had written in.