It’s September and I know everyone is all pumpkin spice this and that. However, I’m over here clinging to summer with the perfect rosé’s for that Summer to Fall transition!
Let’s talk about that colour
Rosé has really boomed in popularity over the last few years, especially in the hot months. It’s made from the same grapes as a white or red wine and has to do with how long the red grape skins are left in contact with the juice. The time is significantly less than with a red wine, thus giving rose the pink to light salmon hues. Before we start cozying up in our knit sweaters and buffalo check blankets, let’s try a few more refreshing rosé’s.
Go with the classics – they’re classic for a reason
France, and more specifically Provence, is the birth place of rosé. They really know how to knock it out of the park and you can get some at awesome price points. So the first rosé I’m going to boast about is, surprise, French! Actually, the first two are. The first one is Mirabeau Pure from Provence. I admit, I bought this one because it looks so pretty! This rosé is 60% Grancahe and 40% Syrah and because of the berry flavouring does have a hint of sweetness. It is perfect for pairing with bold flavours, or perhaps something spicy.
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila Haut Rosé is from Languedoc-Roussillon and is apparently a mouthful to spell correctly and say! Languedoc is in Southern France and borders Provence, but is further west. Fun fact: the Languedoc produces one third of all of France’s wine. The M. Chapoutier rosé also consists of Syrah and Grenache, although there is also some Cinsault as well. At $16.49, this bottle is a steal of a deal. I loved this one, primarily wild strawberry mixed with some good minerality and not a sweet aftertaste.
Let me sell you on a Spanish rosé
I went to Willow Park for my third choice. I found myself with a bottle of Pasion de Bobal Rosado from Spain in my hand when one of the associate’s breezed by me and said “buy it, it’s delicious.” So obviously I implored the associate to “sell me” the wine. He told me it is obviously not nearly as well-known as Tempranillo or Garnacha, but the flavour it packs is similar and can be done just as well. Think cherry and red fruit flavours with a citrus finish. The Pasion is dry, which appealed to me, and for $15.99 you can’t beat it!
Let’s hang on to summer just a little longer, folks! Get out and enjoy some refreshing rosé, before we are all hermits in our houses for the next 6 months!