In Vino Veritas: Ma Vie En Rosé
By: Bianca Blanca Rioja, July 13, 2012
BIANCA BLANCA RIOJA - Born to humble grape harvesters in an oak barrel outside of Barcelona, Bianca has traveled the world performing flamenco and sampling the fruits of Bacchus' labor. While no wine is too complicated or indulgent for her, Bianca specializes in big flavor with small price tag. Vino es pasión!
Rosé wines have always gotten a bad rap. Often confused with the American invention of sweet white zinfandel due to their shared coloring, it’s a completely unfair comparison.
Rosé is a different category of wine altogether. Made for over a hundred years in France, Spain and Portugal, the method of making rosé is a natural, time-honored process.
Rosé can be made with white and red wine grapes, but most commonly is a combination of both. Allowing the pressed grape juice to only have limited contact with the dark grape skins provides the playful pink color and creates some of the wine’s most rewarding flavors.
The perfect summer companion
Hot summer days were made for a cold glass of rosé. Bright and sprightly, the citrus plays against the berry juice sweetness.
With a full engagement of the mouth, a good rosé will command your attention. Softly coating tongue with buttery vanilla notes, it will surprise you with zesty pear that squeezes the cheeks.
While rosé is neither white nor red, not sweet nor sour, it can be the enigma that pairs perfectly with oxymoronic foods. Tart berries and creamy vanilla notes are not just for desserts anymore. Dishes like jumbo shrimp, mango salsa, Asian chicken salad or sushi pair perfectly.
Crack open a chilled bottle to inject an energetic flavor into your cocktail hour or brunch.
Don't dis domestics
The most famous and consistently great rosés hail from Provence, France. But following quickly on their heels, the Pacific Northwest is offering quality and affordable alternatives.
My favorite Provence Rosé, Domaine de Houchard, retails for about $11 per bottle. Compared to others of its kind, this bottle has an evenly dispersed flavor profile that is slightly more gentle and crisp. However, one of my favorite Pacific Northwest wine makers, Charles and Charles of Columbia Valley (famously responsible for Boom Boom Syrah) is putting out a 2010 rosé for less than $10 per bottle. A great buy to always have on hand.
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