Put Some Rosé Colour in Your Glasses

By / Wine + Drinks / May 2nd, 2011 / 2

Spring, we’ve heard, will, in fact, arrive this year. But whether it’s sooner or later, the season for rosé wines is here.

The popularity of rosé wines is soaring now that people have come to realize they are not the sweet fizzy things that may have caused some “issues” back in the day. In fact, a well-made rosé is typically dry and fairly powerful. They make excellent food wines offer the perfect “bridge” between heavy, meat-friendly reds and lighter whites.

While Spain and the south of France have historically been the bastions of some of the finest rosé wines, practically every wine region on earth is currently offering top-quality pink. A couple ended up on our desk recently which proved just that.

From Chile comes the Cono Sur Reserva Carmenere Rose 2010, which blends the country’s star grape – Carmenere – with 15 per cent Syrah for a full-bodied, fruit-forward delivery. Cocoa, raspberry gumdrops and red licorice on the nose with flavours hinting at ripe strawberry and cranapple, the wine is crisp, well-balanced and refreshing with a long, berry-tinged finish. Priced at around twelve bucks, this is a powerful yet balanced rosé, great for grilled seafood.

On a lighter note, the Masi Modello delle Venezie Rosato 2010 is a combination of 70 per cent Refosco and 30 per cent Merlot. Bright in colour with nuances of citrus and red berry with some floral overtones, it is lively and approachable on the palate with commendable freshness and overall balance. Would match nicely with hors d’oeuvres, picnic fare and lighter pasta dishes. Affordably priced at about $11.00.

Spring for a pair of fun rosés. The time (finally) might be here.

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Looking at the small things that make life great and the people who create them.

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