Rosés are wines that have colors which fall somewhere between a red and white wine. Rose wines are suddenly the rage in the UK and this style of wine is making its way on to our shores in droves. One would think that by living in Florida that the rose style of wine would already be on our radar screens. Florida’s Mediterranean-like summer climate makes a nicely flavored and dry Rosé wine perfectly appealing for meal-time.
Historically, rosé wines have been made by a number of different methods, but today two methods are most used. The most common rose production technique is to have the skins and juice to macerate just after crushing for a short period of time until the desired rose hue is achieved. The red Grenache grape has been traditionally used for many roses largely because of its relative lack of anthocyanins or color compounds. For Grenache, a maceration of eight to 12 hours is common. Highly pigmented grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon may need less contact time, while very lightly colored grapes may need a full day or two of maceration.
Historically, rosé wines have been made by a number of different methods, but today two methods are most used. The most common rose production technique is to have the skins and juice to macerate just after crushing for a short period of time until the desired rose hue is achieved. The red Grenache grape has been traditionally used for many roses largely because of its relative lack of anthocyanins or color compounds. For Grenache, a maceration of eight to 12 hours is common. Highly pigmented grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon may need less contact time, while very lightly colored grapes may need a full day or two of maceration.
The second method common method of making rosé would be to blend in a small amount of finished red wine into a finished white wine. While a pink colored wine can be achieved by this process, the hue and flavor of such a wine are quite different from those of a wine made by short-term maceration. Champagne is one of the few controlled appellations in which the blending method of rosé wine-making is sanctioned. Rosé champagne is more often made by blending than by maceration. A vin gris or blush wine is made as above but with no maceration. Both tend to be paler than most rosés.
Provence is probably the region most famous for its Rosé wines. It’s not uncommon for Provencal Rosés to fetch a higher price than their red wines. Fantastic Rosés can be found in the southern Rhone in particular with the appellation of Tavel which specializes in Rosé wines. In the Languedoc, Roses are more common than white wines. Moving north, lighter versions of Rosé can be found in the Loire valley from the ultra quaffable and slightly sweet Rose D’Anjou to the very serious and classy Sancerre Rosé which is made from Pinot Noir grapes.
The Southern Rhone’s most famous appellation for Rosé is Tavel. Nine varieties are allowed in the appellation and Chateau de Trinquevedel uses all nine in their Tavel Rosé. The grapes in order of importance are Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Carignan, Syrah, Mourvedre, Bourbelenc, Grenache Blanc and Calitor. Tavels have a friendly cassis and raspberry entry on the palate and tend to finish with a stony and minerally dry finish that is a fabulous foil for the palate to be refreshed after a bite of food.Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé 2006, Retail $15.99 Warehouse $12.99
From Provence, we have received in the latest vintage of Chateau Paradis. Paradis takes its grapes from near the Luberon and is predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with some Grenache and then a smattering of Sauvignon Blanc added in for a zesty character. This is classic Provence Rose displaying a pale salmon color, a beautiful delicacy of flavor with a long and intriguing red fruit finish.
Chateau Paradis Provence Rosé 2006, Retail $16.99 Warehouse $13.99
In the Languedoc region of France, Jean Orliac is considered the “father” of the Pic St. Loup. As one of the original founders of the wine-growing region, Jean has fought for lower yields in the zone and pressed for full AOC status based on the particular microclimate in the area that is so unique to the tiny corner of the Languedoc. This estate continues to be a quality leader and the benchmark property of this pristine setting of an appellation.
Chateau Paradis Provence Rosé 2006, Retail $16.99 Warehouse $13.99
In the Languedoc region of France, Jean Orliac is considered the “father” of the Pic St. Loup. As one of the original founders of the wine-growing region, Jean has fought for lower yields in the zone and pressed for full AOC status based on the particular microclimate in the area that is so unique to the tiny corner of the Languedoc. This estate continues to be a quality leader and the benchmark property of this pristine setting of an appellation.
Jean Orliac’s L’Hortus Rosé de Saignee is produced from 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre grapes. The wine undergoes maceration on the skins for up to three days and then the rosé juice is bled from these tanks hence the word ‘saignee’ which in French means ‘to bleed.’ The juice taken out of the tanks increases the skin to juice ratio of the remaining wine and will add structure and intensity to the red wine to be made.
L’Hortus Coteaux de Languedoc Rosé Saignee 2006, Retail $12.99 Warehouse $10.99
L’Hortus Coteaux de Languedoc Rosé Saignee 2006, Retail $12.99 Warehouse $10.99
Neighboring L’Hortus in the Coteaux de Languedoc we find Chateau de Lascaux. Lascaux is located between Montpellier and Nimes and has hillside exposures and a Mediterranean influence. They believe that their stony-limestone based soils contribute to their wins finesse and complexity. Their Rosé is a Saignee of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. Flavors of cassis and strawberry lead to a nice dry and minerally finish.
Chateau de Lascaux Coteau de Languedoc Rosé 2006, Retail $12.99 Warehouse $10.99
The third Coteaux de Languedoc Rosé wine is from Chateau St Martin de la Garrigue. Last year during our ‘Return to France’ tasting tour, winemaker and general manager Jean-Claude Zabalia poured his St Martin wines at four of our WW stores. Jean-Claude’s rose consists of 50% Cinsault, 30% Syrah and 20% Grenache Noir. Bursting with red fruits, this rose has a nice weight to it combining with a long dry strawberry and cassis flavored finish. Ch St Martin de la Garrigue ‘Coteaux de Languedoc’ Rosé 2006, Retail $12.99 Warehouse $9.99
Spain also takes its pink wines seriously. There are two categories of Spanish Rosé; rosado which is light pink and clarete which ranges from darker pink to light red.
Bodegas del Rosario is located in the town of Bullas, 50 miles from the Mediterranean coast. Bullas sits 600 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Sistema Ibérico, the southernmost mountain range in Spain. Bullas, as a town and D.O. designation, enjoys the fame of having the highest Monastrell vineyards located 600 to 900 meters above sea level. It is not unusual to see a touch of snow in the vineyards during the winter. Modern winemaking methods are employed such as earlier than traditional picking, shorter oak-aging of the wine with temperature controlled fermentations that emphasize primary fruit characters and thus elevating the wines of this region.
Spain also takes its pink wines seriously. There are two categories of Spanish Rosé; rosado which is light pink and clarete which ranges from darker pink to light red.
Bodegas del Rosario is located in the town of Bullas, 50 miles from the Mediterranean coast. Bullas sits 600 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Sistema Ibérico, the southernmost mountain range in Spain. Bullas, as a town and D.O. designation, enjoys the fame of having the highest Monastrell vineyards located 600 to 900 meters above sea level. It is not unusual to see a touch of snow in the vineyards during the winter. Modern winemaking methods are employed such as earlier than traditional picking, shorter oak-aging of the wine with temperature controlled fermentations that emphasize primary fruit characters and thus elevating the wines of this region.
The town has centuries of winemaking history. The best-adapted grape to this region is Monastrell, accounting for 80% of the appellation's 5,500 hectares. Due to the altitude of the vineyards, this D.O. experiences some of the largest temperature fluctuations of the Spanish Mediterranean regions. Because of the cool nights, the Lorca Monastrell Rosé is extremely fresh with just enough vibrant acidity to reign in the massive strawberry scented juice. This wine is completely refreshing, yet finishes dry.Lorca Monastrell Rosado 2006, Retail $9.99 Warehouse $7.99
And for those of you who are ‘fizz’ fans…….
From Champagne:
Lasalle Brut Rosé, Retail 49.99 Warehouse $39.99
Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial Rosé, Retail $44.99 Warehouse $39.99
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé, Retail $59.99 Warehouse $49.99
And from the Savoie:
Bugey Cerdon Rosé, Retail $19.99 Warehouse $15.99
Although a rose is a rose, a rosé wine is best when it is shipped refrigerated to safeguard its delicate fruit flavors. Rosé is also best when consumed in the first 18 months of its existence. These wines fit the above criteria. Even though it costs us more to ship this way, you’ll still be buying them at the lowest prices in the state. It’s what we do……..
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