I don't care if it's the last day of August, that kids are going back to school, and that Labor Day is around the corner. Not only am I going to continue wearing white shoes, I am also going to continue to enjoy my rosé! This pink Côtes du Rhône Villages comes from a certified organic vineyard run by husband and wife team Anne-Marie and Jean-Marie Astart. It is a crisp, light salmon in hue, and is giving off some lovely pink grapefruit, white pepper, cherry, and fresh whipped cream aromas.
On the palate, the wine is elegant with acidity and alcohol in perfect balance, and a tiny hint of tannin weaving through to give structure. The tannin also gives some backbone to the mouthfeel, which is round and satiny., the flavors ripe with red fruits but brought down to earth by a bit of chalky minerality. The fruit and minerals linger for a good long time, finishing with refreshing grapefruit and sour cherry.
Summer isn't over until the rosé is gone, and this one is definitely worth prolonging the season a few more weeks!
Vintage: 2010
Region: Southern Rhone, France
Grapes: Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Syrah, and Carignan
Price: $19
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
2010 Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Rosé
Martinez Lacuesta has been around for over a century, producing luscious red, white, and rosé wines at tempting price points; the 2010 rosé does not break with this tradition. The hue is a brilliant salmon with a hint of copper, and there is fresh strawberry, grapefruit, and the hint of beach roses on the nose. The wine is delicate and far more elegant than its $11 price tag might foretell.
In the mouth, the wine is well-balanced with a hint of astringency that plays off the refreshing acidity and the juicy strawberry and raspberry fruits. All the elements are in harmony. Believe it or not, I paired this wine with a fairly robust steak and black bean tostada, and it stood up to the meal admirably. But it would prove a delightful pair to a lighter meal of seafood (lobster in particular would be delightful) or, of course, paella. Or you could easily sip this as an apertif by the pool or on your porch as you watch the summer sunset. A lovely little wine.
Vintage: 2010
Region: Rioja, Spain
Grape: Garnacha
Price: $11
In the mouth, the wine is well-balanced with a hint of astringency that plays off the refreshing acidity and the juicy strawberry and raspberry fruits. All the elements are in harmony. Believe it or not, I paired this wine with a fairly robust steak and black bean tostada, and it stood up to the meal admirably. But it would prove a delightful pair to a lighter meal of seafood (lobster in particular would be delightful) or, of course, paella. Or you could easily sip this as an apertif by the pool or on your porch as you watch the summer sunset. A lovely little wine.
Vintage: 2010
Region: Rioja, Spain
Grape: Garnacha
Price: $11
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)