Rosé Revolution | Pink Sips Around the World
May 7, 2020If you weren’t on Nantucket, where else in the world would you like to be?
Would it be a place similar to our Grey Isle, or would be somewhere completely opposite to it?
You see, just like your favorite destination, no two places are exactly the same. Neither are two wines, even if they happen to be from the same region. There are so many variables (or intangibles) that make each wine unique and worth exploring.
While you may be thinking that only Rosés from Côtes de Provence will do for you, I encourage you to think outside the ‘bottle’ at these soon-to-be summer sippers that will have you revolving around the Captain’s chair with authority and glee.
SUN, SURF, SAND
The well-known Antinori family of Tuscany has been making wines for generations and centuries it seems. While on a family holiday to Apulia, the heal of the boot of Italy, they discovered an area that had been making wine (a lot of it!) for centuries. They also saw an opportunity to take their grape growing experience and winemaking technology to this region to create quality wines from the grapes that grow best there.
The area along the coast in this southern region is filled with ancient seaside coastal watchtowers overlooking the Adriatic Sea. These were built in order to protect citizens from constant invasion, along with a point of reference for friendly ships – similar to the historic lighthouses on Nantucket. The region has a long tradition in the production of rosé wines made with Negroamaro, a variety that best expresses its full potential near the sea. It is one of the most powerful and versatile vines of Southern Italy.
TORMARESCA “CALAFURIA” ROSATO, SALENTO IGT (IT) is made from 100% Negroamaro, estate grown and sustainably sourced. The red grapes are pressed softly to extract a peach petal pink color. Fragrant aromas of peaches, roses, and cherry blossoms and followed on the palate by savory, long finish. The colorful label is inspired by the warm sandy beaches of this unique region that evoke feelings of relaxing seaside in the sun, the quintessential southern Italian (and Nantucket) summer experience.
Personalized charms from the Lorraine collection by jewelry designer Jessica Hicks available, at her namesake shop on Union Street, Nantucket. @jessicahicksjewelry
KEEPING IT ON THE LOW DOWN
Not all California wines are full of high alcohol, even bigger tannins, and cost a fortune. The Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara in California, enjoys a late afternoon marine wind that eases the extended heat of the day, and is the perfect location for growing quality grapes at a fraction of the price you would in Northern California. What does this have to do with rosé? Everything!
Owner Jeff Nelson + Winemaker James Sparks were looking to create a wine that they would like to drink, more similar to an Old World style. LIQUID FARM ROSÉ of MOURVÉDRE from Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is a gorgeous wine made with modest alcohol, minimal contact in the winery, and no manipulations to make the wine into something that is naturally isn’t. They source the fruit for this wine from sustainably farmed Vogelzang Vineyard, owned by MaryBeth and Tom Vogelzang. The nose is redolent of apricot, orange zest, and river rock, followed with flavors of peach skin, nectarine, and salty sea air. Their label depicts that happens above ground is as important as what happens below ground, the story of how intricately linked the wine is from start to finish. This to what they describe as turning Liquid into Farming.
While this WINO bracelet is a favorite from vintages past, Proprietress Julie Biondi at The Lovely on Washington Street, Nantucket, offers lovely accessories for any outfit. @thelovelynantucket
HEADING DOWN UNDER
When making wine in the Southern Hemisphere, you have to keep in mind that their seasons are opposite to what we have in the United States. With that, their rosé releases come out in the later part of the year they were harvested, instead of being released the following year. Wine crafted from the large continent of Australia is much different than what you would find from the two islands that make up New Zealand.
MT. BEAUTIFUL ROSÉ, NORTH CANTERBURY (NZ) is a traditionally made rosé produced from certified sustainable, estate grown Pinot Noir (65%) and Pinot Gris (35%). The juice is pressed off after a short period of light skin contact, then the two grapes are co-fermented in a stainless steel tank together. The final result is a classic light pink hue, with fragrant wild strawberry, pear and savory aromas. On the palate, the wine is dry with a flavors of fresh cut watermelon, along with a soft and textured, refreshing finish.
The winery is located in the heart of North Canterbury, on the South Island of New Zealand. The beautiful vineyards rest under the namesake of Mt. Beautiful, which protects the land from the ocean winds. The script on the label for the winery’s logo was inspired by the handwriting of Owner David Teece’s father when he would send letters back from his military service. The line under the winery’s name on the label shows you where in the South Island that the winery is located. This family owned winery leaves no detail behind representing well for their region.
Handmade ring and Nantucket inspired pouch lovingly designed + produced by Nancy Jakubik and her brand JACK, on Nantucket, by appointment only. @nancyjakubik
COME AROUND AGAIN
We revolve back to France in order to bring this wine trip full circle. Provence has several sub-appellations that are each a distinct offering into what the magical world of rosé that Southern France has to offer. The Méditerranée region is known for their entry-level tier of wines, typically made from younger vines and perfect for those every day staples.
FIGUIÉRE ROSÉ MÉDITERRANÉE is just that type of wine, being made from meticulously selected grapes sourced from négociants. Historically in Provence, the wine brand is the name of the property from where the grapes are grown and the wine produced. The Saint-André de Figuière estate, located in La Londe-les-Maures between Marseille and Nice, was purchased by Alain Combard in 1992 after discovering its cool coastal climate and unique schist soils. The property is run by his children, with daughter Magali running the commercial side of the business and her brother François as winemaker.
This wine is intended to be light, invigorating and easy-to-enjoy. Aromas and flavors of peach, orange skin and white flowers are accented by refreshing acidity and a salty minerality thanks to the influence of the sea. It finishes with bright acidity and a moderate level of alcohol that invites you to take another sip.
Pearls can be worn to bring out the best in any situation – not just at weddings! Discover pearl inspired jewelry with Owner Liz Thompson at The Blue Beetle on Main Street, Nantucket. @bluebeetlenantucket
However you choose to celebrate all the fertile mamas of the world (even those that are Moms to four legged fur babies), please remember to do so responsibly. Wear your mask + gloves, remember to maintain a safe social distance, and continue to stay at home as much as possible so that we can enjoy many more Mother’s Day together to come.
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