Everything’s coming up rose — as in pink wine. This wine category is enjoying a renaissance with new respect. Your mother’s white zinfandel, it ain’t.
Rose is a perfect patio wine: A typical rose has a mineral quality — think a clean flavor and finish — and hints of sweet-tart citrus and ripe berries. Depending on what you’re drinking, you might also taste apricot, peach or tropical fruits.
I found a nice selection at German Village shop Hausfrau Haven and chose two affordable bottles to try. These are from France, but Spain also produces a lot of rose.
Chateau de Campuget Costieres de Nimes Tradition Rose 2011
ABV: 13 percent
Price: $11.99
Where: Chateau de Campuget is in the south of France, between Nimes and Arles. The vineyards date back to 1640.
What: 30 percent grenache noir, 70 percent syrah
Nose & mouth: This rose was sweet (cotton candy) and floral in the nose but bright and acidic on the tongue. Of the two I tried, this was the more patio-ready. It had a pleasant minerality and bright citrus, though I found the alcoholic sting slightly off-putting.
Pair it with: Raw or grilled oysters, seared scallops, creamy risotto, cold or room-temperature roasted root vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, parsnip), goat cheese (goat gouda was especially good with this wine)
Louis Laurent Rose d’Anjou
ABV: 11 percent
Price: $11.99
Where: This wine is from the western Loire Valley of France, near the city of Angers.
What’s in it: 100 percent cabernet franc
Nose & mouth: This was the sweeter and more viscous of the two — it had great “legs” in the glass, but it wasn’t syrupy in the least. I loved the citrus, tart berries, orange peel and green bell pepper I tasted in this wine.
Pair it with: Roasted or grilled seafood, roasted chicken, mild cheese with a sweet side, charcuterie (nutty prosciutto was especially good with this)
Photos by Jodi Miller
