We never seem to have enough time in Summer, at least not enough time to show off the great rosés that come pouring into the shop. So we’ve set this Saturday aside to pour five of our favorites. We’ll be pouring two from Italy and three from France. Each is distinctly unique and has a varied character, so if you think that all rosés taste the same it is time to discover the difference. Also with Bastille Day quickly approaching on July 14th, you just might want to stock up.
2013 Cavicchioli, Vigna del Cristo, Lambrusco di Sorbara. $16
This 100% Lambrusco di Sorbara is sourced born from a 12.5 acre vineyard in the “Cristo”. Sorbara is a naturally low yielding grape variety that makes a much lighter wine than it more common darker siblings. The wine has crushed violet and ripe raspberry aromas, and a creamy, frothy palate with bright sour cherry, wild strawberry, nectarine, and cake spice flavors.
2014 Tenuta Sant Antonio, Scaia Rosato $12
Rondinella
Rondinella is from Veneto and is one of the grapes used in Amarone, the wine that Tenuta Sant Antonio is best known for. But they have also come up with this beautiful rosé is packed with citrus notes, orange peel and honeysuckle. It is lively and delicious.
2014 Commanderie de la Bargemone, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence $15
30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Provence is capital of rosé and Bargemone is one of its most consistent purveyors. This classic rosé has aromas of wild strawberries and red currants, with a light, floral character and a crisp, bone-dry palate with a complex long finish.
2014 Domaine De la Fouquette, Rosée d’Aurore $18
65% Greanche, 30% Cinsault, 5% Rolle
Domaine De la Fouquette is a family run farm in the Massif des Maures hills of Provence. They produce this full bodied, organic rosé with fruity and intense aromas followed by flavors of mandarin orange, and with red and black berries that develop in the mouth.
2014 Domaine André Neveu, Sancerre Rosé $25
Pinot Noir
André Neveu is one of our favorite Sancere blanc producers. Valérie (André Neveu’s daughter), and her husband Thomas, now run the domaine that extends to about 13 hectares of vines of AOC Sancerre red, white and rosé. They harvest, and vinify everything themselves. Their elegant Pinot Noir rosé fills the mouth with layered strawberry and floral notes & a long finish.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.