By Abby Cifarelli
As the temperature rises, the need for a refreshing glass of wine rises with it. Now’s the perfect time to drink pink.
The Rosé Renaissance started in 2014. When the Hamptons suffered a dangerously low shortage, it became national news!
Rosé is, however, much more than a trendy summer wine. It was discovered by the Greeks accidentally — when they mixed red and white whites — but its story really begins when the light-colored wine made it to the shores of southern France. The French perfected rosé by using only red grape varietals, and Provence today is home to the most famous style of rosé wine.
Rosé is now made all over the world in varying styles and hues that are meant to be drunk young, and this month we will discover two rosé’s that pair perfectly with any summer day.
It’s hard to begin the Journey of Rosé anywhere else, so let’s jet off to Provence. Provence is home to some powerhouse rosé chateau’s, including Minuty, AIX, Miraval, and Whispering Angel. Our first wine of the month is humorously called Whispering Angels “little sister”, but is differentiated by the name, The Palm.
The Palm Rosé 2020 is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan, all thick-skinned red grapes. Tilt your glass and you’ll see a light salmon hue which is pleasing to the eye. As you give the glass a spin, aromas of tart red cherries, raspberries, and rose petals will float out of the glass. The palate is approachable with cherry and rose petal notes with a hint of saltiness. Beautifully balanced with a zippy acidity and a dry finish, this rosé will surely be enjoyed. The Palm pairs nicely with a charcuterie board featuring goat cheese. It’s also perfect with summertime salads and light fish dishes.
Our second wine takes us to Spain, the second largest producer of wine in the world, and when it comes to rosé, they have a long-standing history. Spanish rosé began as candied red fruit, heavy and dark-colored, but in recent years it has evolved to be lighter and dry, reminiscent of Provence. The climate of Rioja is much hotter and drier, so although the style may be the same, the flavors and profile of the wine will differ.
The Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado 2019 is a blend of Grenache and Tempranillo. The dark-skinned grapes are beautifully represented in the glass, showing a pink hue with hints of orange. As you give the glass a spin, aromas of peaches, apricot, citrus, and strawberries will surprise you on the nose. The medium-bodied wine is balanced with good acidity and a long silky-smooth dry finish. This rosé is best enjoyed with aged Manchego, grilled chicken, or grilled tuna steaks.
Both rosés can be found at Harrison Wine Vault, G. Griffin, or Varmax. Expand your horizons this summer and choose a new rosé the next time you’re drinking pink. Cheers!