ROSE SEASON
One of the few things that the LCBO does well is supplying its customers with Rosé. At least in the summer season. If you share my fondness for Rosé in all seasons, remember to stock-up over the next few months.
I’ve tasted almost all the current offerings and the following are my pics. For party drinking, well-chilled Rosé is best, but lightly-chilled is better with food.
. . . flavourful Spanish
Campo Viejo scores again this year with tasty flavours, some richness and lots of refreshment. And a good price. And it’s at regular LCBOs.
CAMPO VIEJO 13 Tempranillo Rosé, Rioja, Spain 175620 $11.85
. . . for the value
The old farm is good, everyday Rosé at an everyday price. Cannot beat that combo for everyday sloshing, and big parties.
LA VIEILLE FERME 13 Rosé, Ventoux, France 622134 $10.95
. . . thirstquencher
Muga’s wine has the pale Provence colour but the comparison end there. It’s seriously tart and needs one of your seriously hot day thirsts.
BODEGAS MUGA 13 Rosé, Rioja, Spain 603795 $12.95
~ ~ . . . for the beef
Fans of steak and Cab will enjoy the meaty/gamey notes in Mulderbosc. Certainly suggests the BBQ.
MULDERBOSCH 13 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa 999821 $12.95
~ . . . for spicy/hot foods
New World Rosés tend to be slightly sweet which makes them the perfect for spicy foods ““ anything with heat. My favourite is Cono Sur Pinot Noir Rosé for its refreshment, and fun feeling. And criminally low price.
CONO SUR 13 Pinot Noir Rosé, Chile 318014 $9.95
. . . the south of France feeling
Val Joanis has been one of my regular buys for several years because it has that tease of rich, sweet charm that suggests the good life in the south of France. Who wouldn’t want that in their glass. Quite refreshing too ““ so it’s perfect. Did I mention the pale salmon colour!
CH. VAL JOANIS 13 Syrah Rosé, Luberon, France 707281 Vintages $15.95
. . . great bottle
Bertrand’s wine is pale, semi rich, semi-expensive ““ much like the Rosés of Provence. Not the greatest, but up there. Your call. But who wouldn’t fall for the pretty/romantic package. Forget roses for a week and treat your loved one to a beautiful Rosé.
GERARD BERTRAND 13 Cote des Roses, Languedoc, France 373985 Vintages $19.95
P.S. My long-time number one Rosé MAS DES BRESSADES 12 Rosé, Costieres de Nimes, France~ (950576 Vintages $15.75) has slipped this vintage. Sure there’s pretty fruitiness but it lacks the solid “˜wineness’ of previous years.
