David: There are very few things for which I can say I love the color pink. Pink shirts and ties have never been my thing. However, when it comes to wine, dry rosés and sparklers are some of the greatest and most refreshing beverages out there.
Christian: Hey, I have a few pink ties and I think they are pretty sharp. But on the topic of pink wine I will agree. Rosé wines are perfect for spring. I am dying to get outside and spend some porch time, and this is the perfect wine to fit the occasion. It is common practice to automatically associate rosé wines with blush or white zinfandel, or inexpensive sweet wines. This, however, is not at all the case. A nice rosé is a dry wine, with subtle aromas of flowers, berries, and citrus, usually with a crisp refreshing finish. There is nothing sugary-sweet about these wines at all.
D: I recall several summer trips to Europe. We went to restaurants at lunch, and it was a sea of pink. Rosé was and still is the French version of iced tea. Everyone drinks rosé on warm spring and summer afternoons. I think that most winos and Europeans would agree that rosé is a wine for while the sun is up; it is pleasurable and yummy. But once the sun sets the rosés go away, and out come the serious burgundies and clarets.
C: Right you are. Rosés usually aren’t very cerebral wines worthy of great discussion over a three-hour dinner. But that being said, my own personal Nirvana is relaxing outside of a Parisian bistro with a glass of rosé in hand, nibbling on artisan cheeses, a fresh baked baguette and maybe even an authentic onion soup with browned gruyere! Teleport me there now please. . . . Why rosé? Well, it’s very refreshing, pairs great with food, and has all the complexities of red wine with the body of a white.
D: Makes me thirsty. Many people wonder why is it pink. Historically rosé wines were made by adding a little bit of red wine to white wine. This practice went out of vogue and is no longer considered a respected method. In today’s world, rosé wines are made from a wide variety of red grapes, including pinot noir, grenache, syrah, zinfandel, and others. The skins of these red grapes are removed before the color has the time to leech into the juice.
C: I’ve often heard these rosés called the “lightweight stepchild,” but I will personally vouch that these wines are a perfect accompaniment to barbecues, picnics, salmon, light meats, and fresh salads. Not to mention, they are just great sipping wines. For those of you who enjoy red wine, but feel uncomfortable or bogged down drinking heavy reds on a hot summer day, try a rosé. It will give you all the desirable flavors and complexities without turning your face three shades of red.
D: Don’t forget about the bubbles. Nothing says “celebration” like champagne, and nothing says “romantic celebration” better than pink champagne. As readers of this column know, champagne and many sparkling wines are made from three different grapes—two of which are red, pinot noir and pinot meunier (the white is chardonnay).
C: Couldn’t agree more. After not drinking for nine months, my wife craved her first beverage to be rose champagne after the birth of our second daughter. Of course I happily obliged and imbibed. A real treat is to enjoy your rose champagne with quality caviar and buttered popcorn … now you’re living like a rock star!
D: Ok, DJ Crizzle, your dreams of being Brett Michaels may need to be put in check, but what are some of your favorite rose wines.
C: 1) Mulderbosch Rose, South Africa: ($15)
Many South African red wines can be painful to try and can often smell like serious sewage issues. So it is nice to see South African winemakers have found something safe to do with their red grapes. It’s called world class rosé. This wine is stunning. Has good weight and great flavors. Sorry Pinotage, I’ll pass. Just pour me some pink wine please!
2). Tavel,Chateau de Segries, 2006 ($16)
Serious French rosé from a right bank appellation of the Southern Rhone Valley. Made from 50 percent grenache, 30 percent cinsault, 15 percent claret, 5 percent Syrah from 30 year-old-vines. Bright pink in color this dry wine has great cherry flavors. Perfect pair for grilled meats over salad, or for no food at all!
3). Billecart Salmon Rose Brut Champagne ($40ish)
This wine will always have a special spot in my heart. It was my first rose champagne and it started my quest to seek out as many bottles of pink bubbles as possible. The regular brut is yummy and affordable ($40 per bottle). The brut, is also my wife’s go-to wine for holidays, anniversaries, and, as mentioned before, celebrating additions to my family! If you have a little extra cash, seek out the 1996 Vintage ($150 per bottle). Super Yummy!
D: I have to go with:
1. Saint Andre de Figuire, Provence, France ($13)
This blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, grenache, & cinsault, has a pale salmon color with great strawberry flavors and hints of lavender. This wine’s elegant complexities will transport you to the French countryside without leaving your back yard.
2. Marquez de Caceres Rose, Spain, 2006 ($14)
Very dry with aromas of rose petals and flavors of macerated strawberries, blood orange, and kiwi. Spanish wines often have that arid desert, dry tannic flavor. But, the refreshing strawberry flavors demonstrate how Southern Spain deals with the 100-degree heat. It may also explain why Spaniards take a siesta every afternoon.
3. If you want to splurge a little, try Moet et Chandon Rose Imperial NV Champagne ($45+)or Veuve Cliquot’s Vintage Reserve Rose Champagne($70)… both are destined to dance across your palate with fresh tropical fruit and toasted elegance. I had the opportunity to taste these alongside Dom Perignon, Dom Ruinart, and other well-known houses, and these wines belong with the greats.
