“There is little else that says summer to me like a lovely dry French Rosé.”
– Sheri Sauter Morano, Master of Wine,
Morewine and I have been enjoying what has now become an annual ritual, the tasting of the new French Rosés. Our suppliers who specialize in European imports have been beating down the doors to get us to taste these new releases, and I must say this year it has been a real pleasure! Some of the wines are among the best rosés I have ever tasted. They are so crisp, so lively, light yet full-flavored in a way so many French wines see to do so effortlessly.
Doing some research on them, I found this little tidbit on the fast growing popularity of rosés in the USA;
“French rosé is winning America‘s affection. U.S. retail sales of imported rosé wines grew by 28% in 2009, according to Nielsen Group research. Sales rose four times faster by value and 11 times faster by volume than the table wine market. Behind rosé’s swelling popularity are its dry, refreshing flavors and consumers’ casually elegant lifestyles. Rosé is crisp and dry, with red-grape character that brings out the best in food.”
The above quote came from a very nice website developed by the wineries of Provence. It has some terrific, in depth information on roses, their history, how they are made, how to serve them and a lot more. If you are interested, you should take a look at their site;
http://www.provencewineusa.com/index.cfm
A few of our favorites have already come into stock and are available now. Come in and check them out, or place your order online. Either way, don’t miss out on these wonderful summertime favorites!
St. Andre de Figuiere 2009 Cótes de Provence “Magali” 15.99
Saint André de Figuière is ideally situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif of the Maures, between Toulon and Saint-Tropez. The Magali rosé is a blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Grenache & Cinsault. It has a flattering bouquet of citrus fruits and red fruit. Fresh and smooth on the palate, it evokes the juiciness of apricots and grapefruit. The finish is long and bright.
St. Andre de Figuiere 2009 Cótes de Provence “Old Vines” $19.99
This “old vine” rosé is a spectacular example all that is good in this type of wine. To quote from the original French of the winery’s website:
“A rosé in all its delicatesse! A pale and captivating limpid robe. A bouquet that breathes the Provence with a hint of citrus fruit and spice. Packed with elegance, finesse and roundness, with a silky smooth finish.”
De Pampelonne 2009 Cótes de Provence $16.99
The Cótes de Provence is home to many of France’s finest rosé wines. These dry rosés are a study in delicacy and finesse, light and yet so flavorful. As many visitors to the region have discovered, these wines are the perfect sip for warm summer days and nights, and are especially well suited to cold salads, appetizers and fresh seafood.
Stay safe, drink smart and live long.
Dave