As many of you know, we truly enjoy a good glass of rosé in the store. And most of you know we stock one of the most extensive offerings in the state. But, did you know we enjoy rosés all year round. We frequently term them a “winter white.”
Rosé wines certainly are not as seasonal as many people believe them to be and can be enjoyed most of the year. Certainly old favorites work but also wines that have a bit more depth and richness due to a longer maceration time are well suited to Fall.
Domaine Faillenc – Rose des Glacieres
The rosé is made via the saignée method. The grapes, in this case 100% Syrah, go into a tank for a short period of time, usually overnight. After this short maceration period, the juice “bled” off has absorbed some color from the skins, but does not carry the dark purple hue that Syrah can produce. The fermentation is long and slow at controlled temperatures.
Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie Rose des Glacieres (Corbieres, France) Faillenc Sainte Marie is a small property, with only eight hectares of vineyards stubbornly clinging to the rocky foothills of Mont Alaric. For many, it is best located by being 12 kms from Carcassone. The terroir is composed of inhospitable, rocky limestone terraces. Only vines, olive trees and some scraggly brush survive under these harsh conditions. As a result, yields are naturally low. The grapes are strongly marked by their environment and this powerful character shows through in the wines, even the rosé.
The 2016 is juicy and fresh, with a cranberry edge to its macerated strawberry flavors and a hint of tannin in the finish. It is a delightful pairing for grilled white sausages and mixed bruschetta. $16 a bottle.
Berangerie Cahors Rosé (Malbec)
Customers searching for this wine often simply request the “Frog.” It doesn’t always sound the most polite, but the wine is another easy drinking rosé, this one made 100% from Malbec.
Berangerie “Tu Bois cos?” Cahors, France
In 1971 André Berenger came to Cahors from Provence with his wife Sylvie, who is originally from Champagne, and planted their vineyard near Grezels, on the red clay/ iron stone soil known as Grèzes. Pruning, the sustainable farming of the vineyards (Terra Vitis certified) and harvesting are all done by hand; a disappearing practice in Cahors where harvesting is now done almost exclusively by machine. The Bérangeraie wines are proof that hand-made artisanal wines of character yet accessibility, are still being made in Cahors today.
The wine is 100% Malbec, deeply colored, dry and fruity, with grapefruit, raspberries, and strawberries on the nose with a the richer palate one would expect from Malbec. Just have some friends over and share. A stunning value at $12.
La Bastide Blanche, Rosé Bandol, France
And here we have one of the perennial favorites in the store.
From the time of their acquiring the domaine in the early 70’s, Michel and Louis Bronzo have been focused on making quality wines equal to those of more famous appellations like Chateauneuf du Papes. Today, Bandol is equally well known and respected. The region’s rosés are seen by many as benchmarks for rosé, perfect for a bowl of bouillabaisse or ratatouille but also serve well as a pleasant afternoon sipper in the fall.
The wine is 71% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 12% Cinsault, 3% Clairette. This wine certainly rewards a few months of aging. It is starting to take on some richness, with the lovely aromas of raspberry, peach, blood orange, rose and spice leading to a fuller palate of ripe raspberry and hints of strawberry with some dried orange peel notes and fresh herbs in the background. $24 a bottle.
