Endless Summer Shades of Rosé
September 12, 2019You drink white wine year round, Sancerre in the summer and White Burgundy in the winter. Some people drink red wine all the time as well, Pinot Noir when it is warm outside and a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon when it is not.
Why then do so many people think they have to give up Rosé after Labor Day?
Refuse to stop drinking pink if that is what you really want!
Not only is it 5 o’clock somewhere, it is also rosé season wherever you may be.
Advanced Sommelier Jenny Benzie gives us some direction in transitioning from your favorite summer pinks to heartier styles in this end of summer “Don’t You Forget About Me” rosé recap.
SEASIDE SIPPING
Bandol is a small wine region located on the Mediterranean coast, long known for producing some of the most classic, show-stopping rosés from France. (Think if wine was made by the shores of Cisco Beach!) BASTIDE DE LA CISELETTE BANDOL ROSÉ is considered a new producer to this sea of rosé scene. While respect for the terroir and traditional winemaking methods of the region are being observed, this rosé is making waves by being more approachable and easier to drink than some of the more well-known wineries of the region.
The old vines that source the Mourvèdre and Grenache of this wine are using organic and biodynamic methods in the vineyards. Aromas of wild strawberry, red currant, and pink grapefruit follow through on the palate. This wine has more texture than your summer beach sipper, being substantial and long lasting with an almost dusty dry finish.
Enjoy while watching the waves and daydreaming of your next trip to the South of France!
BUNNIES ABOUND
While the name of this wine may be hard to remember (and possibly pronounce), the unmistakable bright orange color of the label with the picture of a bunny on it is soon hard to forget. DOMAINE LELIÈVRE GRIS DE TOUL CÔTES DE TOUL ROSÉ is a go-to everyday wine that gracefully takes you into fall. The French term lelièvre is from Old French, meaning ‘the hare,’ or in reference to the occupational name for a hunter of hares. (They would have a lot of work should they ever come to Nantucket!)
This family winery of that surname is located in the Côtes de Toul appellation in the Lorraine region of Northeastern France, near the city of Nancy. Gris de Toul is the term used in this region in reference to rosé wines, in that the color is neither white (blanc) nor red (rouge). This wine is made from organically farmed Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir. With aromas of red fruits and fresh structure, this wine has a long finish and is dry on the palate.
Great with a piece of Missouri Truckle Cheese, our neighbor Doug’s favorite!
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM
You have probably heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Meaning to leave something alone as it is, without trying to correct it, is what some rosé drinkers feel is their motto. (Sounds like a Nantucket Native here!) They find something they like and they want to stick with it. The perfect year-round rosé quaffer from the most famous rośe region in the world is HECHT & BANNIER CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ.
Gregory Hecht & François Bannier have been making wines together in Aix-en-Provence for almost two decades. This Provençal wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and a small amount Rolle (a local white grape varietal). It is a refreshing, charming and floral wine, immense with minerality. It is also important to mention that it has a convenient glass vino-lock closure for easy access wherever you may transport the wine with you.
Tasty with a snack of sardines, duck mousse paté, and kalamata olives!
PINOT PREVAILS
When one mentions the region of Sancerre when referring to wine, most people would automatically think of white wine and how well this pairs with Nantucket oysters. However, red wine and rosé wine also come from this mineral driven area. These wines are made from 100% Pinot Noir, not from white grapes.
LUCIEN CROCHET SANCERRE ROSÉ has an intense pink color, with almost carmine red tints due to the hot growing season of the vintage. The grapes at this family owned winery have been grown specifically for the production of this wine, not as an afterthought or leftovers from red wine production. This Rosé is made using the direct press method with the whole berries, only macerating the skins briefly. The nose has intense aromas of cherry and orchard fruits. The palate is ripe with the textbook minerality of the region, with a touch of pepper, spice, and soft tannin on the palate.
Excellent choice to wash down that delicious bar-be-que!
Whatever your rosé fancy during this time of change from the hussle and bussle of summer to the calm of September may be, kudos to you for keeping the spirit of rosé drinking alive and kicking! Keep in mind it also pairs well with that delicious Halloween candy corn 🙂
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