Like many things in life, rose wines appear to be the result of tradition rather than evolution. It is believed that ancient Greek traders brought grape vines to southern France around 600 B.C. At this time, all wines were light red or pale in color since the grapes were rarely vinified for long periods. Eventually, the pale, or rose, wines made in the area developed a reputation for their remarkably bright flavors. Rose is not a specific varietal, but is a style of wine that ranges in color from soft pink to light purple. Traditional red wines get their color from lengthy contact between the juice and the red grape skins. Most rose wines are made using the saignee method — literally, “bleeding” — in which the juices are bled away from the skins soon after the grapes are crushed, leaving behind a pale-to-dark pinkish liquid.
Many different types of grapes are used to produce roses. The most popular are made from Rhone varietals including carignan, grenache, mouvedre and syrah, as well as varietals popular in other grape-growing regions such as sangiovese, malbec and pinot noir.
Rose wines are generally produced with little or no oak, so the wines characteristically run to the bright red fruit side of the flavor spectrum. The abundant acidity provides a crisp and refreshing finish.
Best of all, rose wines are versatile and easy on the wallet. Served well chilled, they make a great companion for the hammock or picnic basket, pairing well with grilled seafood, chicken or roasted pork. If you want to add a festive flair to your glass, try a sparkling version. Retail prices are approximate.
The 2009 Mulderbosch Rose from South Africa ($11) is a terrific value. It is made from 100 percent cabernet sauvignon. The deep pink wine features luscious strawberry and red currant aromas that lead into clean and bright flavors of wild strawberry and pomegranate in the mouth. The wine finishes brisk and dry with hints of tangy citrus for a refreshing touch.
The 2009 Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix Pinot Noir Blanc from the North Coast of California ($20) is produced by Caymus Vineyards. Made exclusively from pinot noir, this salmon pink wine offers vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries and red cherries. Flavors of raspberry, watermelon and bright red cherry linger on a creamy frame and finishes with a delightful note of minerality and crisp acidity.
Looking for a wine to shout “Hola!” on the tongue? Try the 2010 Marques de Caceres Rose from Rioja, Spain ($11). This rose is made from 100 percent tempranillo grapes. It exudes aromas of strawberry and rhubarb on the nose and flavors of strawberries, peaches and cherries in the mouth. The finish is crisp and dry, so it will pair well with grilled or roasted chicken.
A rose to consider with bubbles is the Nonvintage NV Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Rose Perle d’Aurore from Burgundy, France ($18). This sparkling rose is 100 percent pinot noir and made using the traditional methode champenoise process. Delicate and crisp, this rose is fresh and flavorful with aromas of raspberry, strawberry and grenadine on the nose and repeated on the palate. A lingering sweet cherry note on the creamy finish is accented by bright acidity. An ideal aperitif or terrific pairing with Asian cuisine.
For a traditional rose experience, pick up a bottle of 2010 Chateau de Lancyre Rose, Pic Saint-Loup from the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation of France ($16). The pretty salmon-pink color belies its pedigree of syrah, grenache and cinsault, but produces a full-bodied wine with juicy flavors of wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry. The wonderful minerality and bright acidity act as a refreshing counterbalance, leaving a tangy sensation after each sip.
