Rosé sales are up in England because fans drinking more of the stuff. I believe this is how it works here too ““ everyone whom I’ve converted to Rosé has become a fanatic. Neil in Sebringville wrote to tell me he’s already gone through four cases. All local.
The quick story on Rosé (dry) is: buy south of France for richness and sexiness, Spain for value, and Ontario for a great hit of local.
Unfortunately the local is premium priced, but it can be awfully good. The best are available only through Vintages, or at the wineries.
I’ve already recommended lots of Vintages Rosé on this blog and here are a few regular LCBO offerings. Most are great buys at $11.95 but the Stoneleigh is worth a splurge.
I’ve yet to have a food that wasn’t good company for dry Rosé.
This might have something to do with how the wine is perfect for the summer season and how it always makes me feel good. Hot/spicy foods are particularly good partners.
Rosé Recommendations ““ available at regular LCBOs
CHIVITE 09 Rosé “˜Gran Feudo’, Navarra, Spain 165845 $11.95
Refreshment meets spicy/fruity flavours and flesh. The perfect house Rosé. At a perfect price. Handy screw cap.
CAMPO VIEJO 09 Rosé, Rioja, Spain 175620 $11.95
The richer, Rioja experience. Delicious spicy/sweet flavours and the heft to partner dinner. Not to mention the seduction. Lover’s Rosé.
OGIER 09 Rosé, Ventoux, Rhone, France 134916 $11.95
The 09 vintage has just arrived. Flavours and feeling of south of France ““ the soil, the sun, and the fun. Pale, semi-rich and suggestive of a two bottle patio lunch. Great value.
JACOB’S Creek 09 Rosé, Australia 376222 $11.95
Fruity, dry and more refreshing than most Aussies. Excellent house Rosé.
CAVE SPRING 09 Rosé, VQA Niagara 295006 $12.75
A good hit of tart refreshment and appetizing herbaceous flavours. Thirstquencher for sure, and best value in local.
STONELEIGH 09 Pinot Noir Rosé, Marlborough, New Zealand 122275 $16.95
Super-refreshing in the NZ style. Hints of strawberries ““ in keeping with the Pinot character. Suggests a stylish dinner. Grilled salmon perhaps.
HENRY of PELHAM 09 Pink “˜Sibling Rivalry’, VQA Niagara 171033 $13.95
An off-dry, fruity, low alcohol, party gulping Rosé. Refreshing too.
Also tasted: Fuzion 09 Shiraz (Argentina) $7.45 is austere but could hit the spot on a hot day. It’s cousin, Misterio 09 Rosé Malbec/Shiraz $7.95 is soft and simple, as is Argento 09 Rosé Malbec $9.95. The theme continues in La Casona 09 Rosé (Spain) $7.95. Passion of Portugal 09 Rosé $8.95 is another soft and simple offering. The Beach House 09 Rosé (South Africa) $9.95 is off-dry, pleasant and sure to be a party favourite. Two locals in the fruity, off-dry, crowd-pleasing style are: Open 09 Rosé $10.95 and Colio 09 Rosé “˜Lake & River Series’ $8.95.
Another great Spanish Rose (from Rioja) is the Muga Rose 2009 (603795). A good deal at $12.95 . Like Tavel it is a bit high in alcohol at 13% due to the 60% Garnacha (Grenache), 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo blend, but quite refreshing when well chilled and a good food match.
I love the Muga – we are serving it at the Red Brick Cafe in Guelph this summer