Notes From the Cellar…..

ROSÉ MADNESS!  With blues skies and warmer (sort of) weather, summer is around the corner and the 2013 rosé wines are here.  Join us Fri. & Sat. May 30, 31 as we taste seven of our selections from France, US and Italy.  These wines are all versatile food wines, especially with oysters, charcuterie, smoked salmon and grilled fish.

Domaine de la Fouquette ‘Cuvée Rosée d’Aurore,’ Côtes de Provence, France – (Grenche, Cinsault, Rolle) Provence has become synonymous with great rosé, and does indeed produce consistently outstanding rosé.  This pale colored organically farmed wine has a fruity and intense nose with flavors of mandarin orange, red and black berries, followed by a vibrant finish.  $18.99

Domaine de Vaccelli ‘Juste Ciel!,’ Ile de Beauté, Corsica, France – (100% Grenache) Translating to “Good Heavens!” this wine may be just that.  Organically grown, with a copper hue, this wine shows aromas of peach and mineral, adding grapefruit, brine, and light spice to the palate, with a lingering, fresh and pleasant finish.  $17.99

Domaine de Fontsainte ‘Gris de Gris,’ Corbières, Languedoc, France – (Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault) Consistently one of the best rosés on the planet, the 2013 continues to deliver.  This wine is blended from old vine grapes resulting in a luscious, medium weight rosé with aromas and flavors of red berry, light pepper, and a touch of mineral/clay. $19.99

Fleur Pinot Noir Rosé, North Coast, California – (100% Pinot Noir) California’s North Coast is ideally suited for cultivating Pinot, with the ocean moderating the temperature and providing mist that lingers late into the morning. This perfectly balanced offering displays aromas of fresh strawberry and honeysuckle, with a mouthwatering finish and bright acidity.  $15.99

Gérard Boulay Sancerre, Loire, France – (100% Pinot Noir) Sancerre is noted for having great Sauvignon Blanc, but often overlooked is the red, which can be delicious in a good vintage.  Produced from 40 year old vines, Boulay harvests his Pinot Noir to specifically produce rosé, resulting in a wine with a bright fruit nose of strawberry, bramble fruit and a hint of orange peel, following by a nicely balanced and luscious finish.  $24.99

Cantina Santa Maria la Palma ‘Aragosta,’ Sardinia, Italy – This wine is made from Cannonau, known as Grenache in France, The wine picks up a deep color from extended contact with the grape skins resulting in aromas of rose petals and wild berry, followed by a big mouthfeel of red fruit and a hint of tannins on the finish.  $11.99

Proprietà Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa.’ Piedmont, Italy – (Nebbiolo,  Vespolina) Here we have a rosé wine made from Piedmont’s great Nebbiolo grape, used to make Barolo and Barbaresco.  The wine is full and fresh with mineral tones and red plum and raspberry aroma.  The finish is clean with a hint of tannins and citrus peel.  $17.99

Cheers!