31 Aug Wine Talk – Rosé for Labor Day!
Domaine De Figueirasse Gris de Gris $17.25
One of the more delicate styles of rosé, Gris de Gris is made by taking red grapes and gently pressing them to extract a subtle salmon color. Popular in Southern France, this style of rosé is highlighted in the Camargue delta just off the coast where we find Domaine Figueirasse who have been making wines since 1905.
Their Gris de Gris is made from organically grown Grenache and Cinsault grapes whose classic hue draws you into a fresh and light wine reminiscent of a summer sunset. The palate is delicate and floral with tangy raspberry fruits dancing along a slight grapefruit zest and candied ginger backdrop. Enjoy alone as an apertif or on the patio as you watch the last (maybe?) of your relaxed summer sunsets.
Erich Sattler Zweigelt $17.50
If you haven’t come into the folds of the Austrian delight known as Zweigelt, today with this? It’s a perfect start to your exploration. A relatively new grape to us, Zweigelt is a cross between the Austrian classics St Laurent and Blaufrankish. Known for producing dense yet smooth wines, it has become one of Austria’s most planted varietals and makes for one tasty rosé!
Eric Sattler’s rosé is made in the classic “Saignée” method where the red grapes are pressed and left to macerate for a short time before being taken off the skins and then made like a white wine. This offers up a richer style of rosé – refreshing and full of life. Inside you will find notes of wild cherries and fresh raspberries mixed with herbal notes making for a full bodied wine that is as bright as the summer sun.
Rousseau Freres Touraine Noble Joué $19.75
From one of the smallest appellations in France, Touraine Noble Joué is a rosé focused portion of the Loire Valley that is made up of only 6 producers. The style of rosé made here is Vin Gris which is made from the three “noble” Pinots: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris which blended together create a wine that is light pink with a greyish tint.
This lovely version from the Rousseau family is both classic and full of finesse. Light and bright, you can find flavors of fresh bing cherries and ripe strawberries lifted by soft minerality and a crisp clean finish. A perfect pairing for your catch of the day, try with grilled fish on a bed of herbed couscous.
Airfield Sangiovese Rosé $17.25
An easy drinking rosé, a perfect finish to a long summer weekend. Coming from Airfield Estates out of Yakima Valley, Washington this WWII training base turned family owned winery has been making estate grown and bottled wines for 4 generations.
Their rosé of Sangiovese is one of our favorites – with its soft fruit and subtle tropical notes it is hard not to fall in love with this bottle. On the nose candied strawberry and cherry notes play off a kiwi filled center, while the palate comes in with dried strawberry notes mixed with white peach and just a touch of lavender. Though it would pair well with food we find its perfect home is enjoyed with a pair of sandals kicked up and an easy summer read!