Think Pink

I hear people say “oh, I don’t drink pink wine.” As if there is something wrong with it or drinking it will make you unsophisticated. Then there are those that feel if they are seen drinking pink wine it somehow makes them look weak or wimpy (to use one of my dad’s choice words). Yes, Rośe does have a pink color and I think it’s beautiful. The color is just the beginning, a tease of what is to come on the nose and palate. If you blindly taste Rośes, you never know what you’re going to get, which is half the fun. No matter what style of wine you like there is a Rośe for you.

I have been fortunate to taste many different styles of Rośe, both domestic and imported. There are many Rośes that shine on wine shop shelves, but Rośe can also be the hidden treasure of a winery. Some wineries (I’m finding more every day) produce Rośe as a small lot. Something that is only available at the winery or to wine club members. If you don’t go to the winery you never have the chance to try it. This to me is always a fun discovery, you get to taste something that you wouldn’t have otherwise had the chance. Plus you can share it with your family and friends. Who knows, maybe you will wow them with your discovery. One tip, if you find a Rośe that you like at a winery, you better buy some. These wines generally go fast and sell out before the end of the summer.

I experienced what I wrote above the very next weekend…

I went wine tasting with a few friends and our last stop was at Ceja Vineyards in Carneros. They have two locations to taste, one in downtown Napa and one in the heart of Carneros. If you’re planning on visiting the winery in Carneros, be sure to call first so they know to expect you. I’m familiar with the wines that Ceja produces and was happily surprised to find that they made a Rośe this year. Only a little over 600 cases produced and the only way to taste it is to visit one of the tasting rooms. It’s a blend of Syrah and Pinot Noir, a great food pairing wine or as an aperitif. It was so tasty I had to buy a bottle and bring it to share with my family at Sunday dinner. Everyone loved it.
To quote Karen MacNeil, “A truly great Rośe combines the best attributes of red and white wines.” What could be better? These are also the qualities that make Rośe so approachable, bold fruitiness and crisp acidity lend a hand in making Rośe thirst quenching and the perfect match in any occasion. I met a very nice couple in one of my classes and they informed me that they we’re gearing up to have an all Rośe party. I thought that sounded like the most fantastic idea. They had Rośes of all varietals from around the world. Another great thing about Rośe, it tends to have a rather approachable price point, with many of them falling around or under $20.

Basically, what I’m saying is get out there and discover all the wonderful things Rośe has to offer. If you need some help with where to start, here is a list of some of the wineries producing my favorite Rośes: Ceja Vineyards, Etude Wines, Judd’s Hill, Frog’s Leap Winery, Saintsbury, Storybook Mountain & Vision Cellars.

Claire Holloway - COPIA Cellar Master