The arrival of Valentine’s Day marks a turning point for many wine enthusiasts, particularly those who have recently come to love dry rosé wines.
Not only is dry rosé a natural for the Valentine’s tradition, but it also signals the coming of spring and warmer days. Rosé wines, which are seldom aged in oak barrels, are typically among the first new wine releases of spring.
This coincides with a natural move away from the heavier reds and richer whites we favor in the cold winter months, and a move toward fresher, brighter, zestier wines that are more in tune with the weather, and hence, our mood throughout the rest of the year.
Sales of dry rosé have surged in recent years, as more wine lovers have discovered the remarkable versatility of these wines. Rosé from France is typically made from pinot noir or one of the Rhone grape varieties, such as grenache or cinsault. Rosé from Italy, where it is called rosato, is frequently made from sangiovese. In Spain, where it is called rosado, the favored grapes for dry rosé are tempranillo and garnacha (same as grenache in France).
Rosé made in the United States is all over the map. In the Eastern states, the Catawba grape is prominent. But that makes for a sweeter wine that isn’t universally popular. In the Western states, the Rhone grape varieties and pinot noir tend to prevail.
A few prominent producers that make excellent dry rosé include Etude of the Napa Valley in California (made with pinot noir) and Eberle of Paso Robles, California (made with syrah).
What makes these wines so appealing is their crisp, bright fruit structure and their versatility with food. You could enjoy the Eberle Rosé of Syrah with virtually any grilled fish, game fowl, grilled sausages, or even a barbecued steak. Or you could simply quaff it on a warm spring day.
There might still be snow piled up in your driveway, but now that Valentine’s Day has come and gone, warmer days are just ahead. It’s time to think pink.
Tasting Notes
Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer’s enthusiasm for the recommended wine.
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger 2013 Brut Rosé, Carneros ($39): The common thread that runs through all of the Domaine Carneros sparkling wines is elegance. Always beautifully balanced, complex in aroma and flavor, and exquisitely proportioned, this is so very true of the 2013 Brut Rosé. Delicate aromas of peach, strawberry, and red berry, and a touch of spice make this one of the most impressive domestic sparkling rosés you are likely to encounter. Rating: 96.
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs, Carneros ($22): Rich and luscious with hints of lemon and brioche, Gloria Ferrer’s Blanc de Blancs is without a doubt among the greatest values in sparkling wine today. Rating: 94.
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs, Carneros. Courtesy of Freixenet Mionetto USA
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, Carneros ($22): Gloria’s Blanc de Noirs is a paragon of consistency and one of the great values in sparkling wine. This latest release shows mouthwatering red fruits with good balance and impressive length on the finish. Rating: 91.
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, Carneros. Courtesy of Freixenet Mionetto USA
Rodney Strong 2014 Chardonnay, Estate, Sonoma County ($17): You could make an argument that Rodney Strong invented the California chardonnay craze, but Kendall-Jackson might dispute it. That said, Rod Strong was certainly one of the earliest champions of California chardonnay, and that legacy has been maintained through the decades by winemaker Rick Sayre. This one shows rich notes of pear and apple, and a hint of wood smoke and spice. It’s a crowd pleaser with a great price. Rating: 90.
Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at Creators.com. Email Robert at [email protected]. Copyright 2021 Creators.com
