Rosé All Day
As the summer winds down with Labor Day rapidly approaching this weekend, I wanted to do a recap of my favorite rosés of the summer. Rosé has become increasingly popular in the past few years, so much so in fact, that the New York Post just published an article on a serious shortage looming in the Hamptons. Rosé exports from the Provençal region to the US increased 40% Year-over-year from 2013. Why? Americans have finally caught on to something the French have known for years – rosé is simply the finest summer beverage.
My go-to for the past two summers has been Miraval. This Provençal wine not only looks sleek and beautiful in its bottle, but it is easily drinkable. Many rosés are too sweet or too tart and this blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle is smooth, medium-bodied and dry. An interesting fact of note that I recently learned about the vineyard itself is that it is the original recording site of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. More recently, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought the vineyard and were married on the grounds. Miraval is perfect with heartier fish dishes and Mediterranean flavors. Miraval usually retails for about $25/bottle.
A recent find that will absolutely be making its way into my regular rosé rotation is Mirabeau Pure. Mirabeau Pure is the newest wine from the Mirabeau vineyard. Also from Côtes de Provence, but from some of the highest altitudes in the region, this elegant ultra-pale rose is light and refreshing with fragrant hints of fruit. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Vermentino which scored 90 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. I highly recommend trying this beautiful wine which is perfect for a light poolside lunch or to start off the evening cocktail hour. Visit this website to order (~$22/bottle) – www.garyswine.com
For a slightly bolder flavor with higher acidity but still with a light body, Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rosé is another new favorite. This Sancerre is purely pinot noir with medium intensity and goes phenomenally well with fresh flavors – tomato basil salad, fresh cheeses and bright herbaceous dishes. Domaine Vacheron retails for about $29/bottle.
Cheers!
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