By Barbara Hay ~
This year, Rosés are hot and for this season of youth and renewal pink wines and parklers set a mood of festiveness and joy. They also clear the palate and prepare it for the sensory experience to come.
Although most Rosés are dry, most folks shy away from these pink or “blush” wines because they associate it with the sweeter incarnations of white Zinfandel. There are variations of Rosé wines that have only a hint of sweetness to some that are very dry. To make certain your Rosé is dry, choose one with at least 12 percent alcohol.
Rosé wines are a great alternative to the various white and red wines and most often white and red wine drinkers can agree that they have the light crispness of a white with the complex body of a red, without the tannins…and they are pretty.
Gruet Brut Sparkling Rosé, New Mexico.
This brilliantly hued pink is both fun and serious. It is creamy with a hint of strawberries in the aroma, but with the structure, acidity and a crisp finish that can stand up to most foods, especially Easter ham.
Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto, Piedmont.
This is a unique vivacious and festive red sparkling wine that is delightfully sweet and subtle with the lush flavors of ripe raspberry and juicy strawberry. Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, it has a fruity character and gentle acitity that extends across all occasions and food pairings, from savory to sweet. On its own Rosa Regale is an elegant aperitif, it tempers the heat of spicy Asian and Latino fare, and is an ideal foil to the piquant richness of goat cheese, especially in a spring mix salad with almonds and cranberries. Easter quiches, glazed hams, beets, vichyssoise, dark chocolate, pair enchantingly with Rosa Regale.
Etude Rosé of Pinot Noir, USA.
This salmon pink Rosé offers vibrant aromas of fresh raspberries, strawberries, red cherries and sweet blood oranges. Flavors of strawberry rhubarb and cherry persist on the palate and combine with a pleasing note of minerality. The perfectly balanced acidity makes this wine a wonderful complement to many foods.
Mayne Sansac Rosé Bordeaux.
As with most Rosés from Bordeaux, this wine has a central core of Merlot (80%), which contributes a rich fruitiness to the wine. Providing structure, the 20% Cabernet Sauvignon exchanges its formidable tannin for a lovely fruitiness with a fine savory edge. This Rose makes a perfect alternative to red throughout the year, and when paired with the right food it absolutely come alive. If you love the classic pairing of lamb and red Bordeaux, this rose would be ideal for pairing for any lightened-up lamb dish or sautéed mushrooms. This is a power Rosé.
Crios de Susana Balbo Rosé of Malbec, Argentina.
This wine is a beautiful, deep, vibrant rosé color with a surprising amount of body. It exudes beautiful aromas of fresh, ripe wild strawberries with hints of spice. The fresh jammy flavors of strawberries and young cherries come rushing over your tongue, accompanied by spice notes and a clean, dry finish. This is the perfect chicken wine and a charming companion to mildly spicy Asian cuisine or light snacks and cheeses.
Jaboulet Parallele 45 Rosé, Côtes du Rhône, France.
This fresh, dry French Rosé has plenty of power and balanced lip-smacking fruit characteristics. This is a charming blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah full of floral and crushed red cherry aromas. It’s full-bodied, ripe, mineral-driven fruit on the palate, with tangy undertones and a note of white pepper. The wine has acidity and tannins that are ripe but firm; this is no wimpy rosé. The wine has an easygoing, uncomplicated nature that makes it pair well with a variety of dishes salads, quiche, grilled vegetables, fish, chicken, and Asian cuisine.
Guigal Cotes du Rhône Rosé, France.
A consistent and elegant Rosé that is balanced and fresh with an expressive nose of red currants, raspberries and citrus. This is a complex, perfumed wine that is dry yet flavorful with spicy red fruits, white pepper and blood orange. It has a firm memorable finish it easily pairs with Easter ham, roast chicken or vegetarian.
Don’t be afraid to drink pink this Easter, the Easter bunny will love you for it.