Commentary by Elizabeth Morse
I’m not sure if it’s because I am spending part of April in Paris. Maybe it’s this crummy weather still hanging around? Whatever the reason, all I can think is pink! I’m suggesting Rosé wines today. They are beautiful, food-friendly wines that are typically dry. Rose is made from a variety of grapes. After the grapes are squished, dark-colored grape skins are allowed to hang out for a bit in the juice. Basically, the dark skins stain the juice and create lovely pink hues.
Rose shouldn’t be relegated to warm weather. Nope, it is an excellent choice year-round. Here are my current faves, all on the dry side of the spectrum:
- Gerard Bertrand Languedoc ‘Cote des Roses’ Rosé, France. At approximately $15 per bottle, this is a value-priced choice. A tangy wine that seems like a cross between orange-cream and cranberry. It smells like peach and is a beautiful shade of pale pink.
- For just a few bucks more ($19), try Campuget 1753 Rosé. This is an unusual grape juice blend of 90 percent Syrah and 10 percent Vermentino. It’s bigger as Rosé goes, but the richness is lively and attractive. With just a little citrus flavor, what mainly stands out is a more traditional strawberry flavor. A great choice with barbecue.
- The splurge today goes to a California wine, Robert Sinskey Rosé of Pinot Noir, Carneros. A vintner known for splendid Cabernet Franc delivers this pale-colored berry bomb. Tons of juicy, bright fruit and great acid make this bottle a winner for sipping and pairing, approximately $32.
Enjoy these selections, and here’s to the days where everything is coming up roses! Cheers.
Elizabeth Morse owned the Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple for nearly 20 years. She is a graduate of Indiana University and is a Hoosier chef, food writer, wine guru and Hamilton County Master Gardener who believes in supporting all things local. She has been a resident of Hamilton County for more than a decade. Check out her blog: schlepicurean.com.