As you enter summer’s pink zone, here are a few tips to expand your palate.
1: rebel against the rules
Méditerranée IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) is the term for an area that covers Provence but also includes some of the Rhône Valley and Corsica (love their rosés). 75% of the region’s wines are rosé and without the Provence rules to follow, they can experiment beyond the usual Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. L’Escarelle Rumeurs is made with Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault and has layered, deep raspberry notes. At under $14, this should be your summer house rosé. Also the bottle is so pretty — great summer host gift!
2: hang with celebs
The Roseblood d’Estoublon 2023 just debuted, and it’s made by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy “supported by her husband, former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy” and other partners who own more than 850 acres of vines in Provence. Not necessarily your most likely wine people, especially considering Nicolas doesn’t drink! Must’ve been an interesting conversation when she proposed this new venture to him. As for the rosé ($27), it’s 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault and 5% Rolle — a typical Provençal blend with elegant strawberry, yellow peach, and a spritz of light lemon.
3: go greek, via italy
Though this is from Maremma, Alìe ($19) is named after a sea nymph in Greek mythology, a symbol of sensuality and beauty. Made from Syrah and Vermentino, it has really cool notes of lychee and pale pink grapefruit with an herbal hint. In honor of the myth, tried it with a “Greek caprese,” subbing in grilled haloumi for mozzarella. So good.
4: head to the dark side
Most people look at a darker rosé and immediately dismiss it. Don’t! It’s great with food (we had it with salmon and spicy shrimp) and the Cantina Zaccagnini Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo (basically rosé from Abruzzo, made from Montepulciano grapes) has some fleshy black cherry and tart rhubarb. It will be one of the 32 wines served at Casa Italia, the hospitality house in the Olympic Village.
Also really liked this Cantina Zaccagnini brut sparkling which has an almost an herbal note and was great with smoky almonds. The Cerasuolo is about $19 and the sparkling $22.
5: pick pinot
I love the pale Provençals, but usually my absolute favorite rosés are made from Pinot Noir grapes. Three Sticks is an excellent Pinot producer in Sonoma, and they made this rosé as a field blend of Rhône varietals from their incredible Durell vineyard. The Casteñada Rosé is $45, but when you’re pulling grapes from this place it’s worth it. Absolutely delicious ripe, plump strawberry notes, like picking a strawberry fresh from the patch.
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