 Pink wines get a really bad rap and that's just not right. Maybe that gag reflex of yours is a hold-over from bad taste memories of sneaking glasses of your mom’s Cold Duck or White Zinfandel. Or maybe you think that having anything that can be described as “blush” in your glass just isn’t manly. You don't want to be a sissy. I get it. But it’s time to get over it and expand your horizons a little. Why? Because pink wines, called “roses,” are a tasty sip by themselves, and are even better with food—from jalapeño poppers to endless hedonistic feasts.There is one rule to enjoying pink wines, though: never, never buy a bottle that is over two years old. For pink wines, dry or sweet, fresh is best!
So, interested? Ready to step up to the rose plate? Your options for good pink wines may not be the most abundant in your local stores so think of it as an adventure. You are off on a treasure hunt somewhere in a dimly lit corner. When you find them though, you’ll discover a surprising number of producers who have made high quality pink wines that are great to quaff and will crush your memories of White Zin forever. Want specifics? Check these out as recommended by fellow wine gal, Christine Blumer - owner of Winediva Enterprises. I tasted them all and ranked them from most to least favorite.
Chateau Grande Cassagne Costieres de Nimes, France
This Grenache-based wine is all slut and all good. One of the richest of the tasting. Light strawberry aromas with raspberry, violet, fruit punch and peach aromas. Super juicy and my favorite in the group. Sadly, I think I've bought every bottle left on the planet. If you see me at a store reaching for one, stand down. I will throw elbows.
Mas de Bressades Costieres de Nimes, France
Mostly Syrah with some Grenache and Cinsault to round out its spice. Darker red in color than many; think Hi-C fruit punch in appearance. Aromatics are strong of cherry jam, cranberry and a hint of black pepper. Very tasty. Sip this with anything off the grill.
Chateau Mourges du Gres "Fleur d'Eglantine" Costieres de Nimes, France
Brilliant strawberry in color with aromas of white flowers, wild strawberries and a touch of maraschino cherry. Light and refreshing. Try it with a creamy cheese. And stop with that face, the one that says this is a sissy wine. Brother, it’s not. Light and refreshing does not mean sissy.
Chateau Guiot Costieres de Nimes, France
A Grenache/Syrah blend that packs plenty of spice. Love the cinnamon notes in this one, with over ripe berry and floral tones. I'd pair this one with some curry or a great tagine.
Chateau Revelette Coteau du Provence, France
Classic Rose de Provence. More light salmon in color, in great contrast to the fruit punch colored wines from the Costieres de Nimes. This is a more delicate and refined style. Lighter in body with traditional aromas of lavender and rosemary. Fruit is more tart — like cranberries — than the wines mentioned above. Perfect for both sophisticated and delicate dishes. I'm thinking seafood with fresh herbs.
Dievole Dievolino Rosato di Sangiovese IGT Toscana, Italy
Here's a Tuscan take on the dry rose, made from hometown hero grape Sangiovese. This wine has a great start with a burst of tart cherry on the front of the palate, but sort of dies on the finish. Maybe our bottle was just a bit cranky? I'd try it again with some antipasta and salamis.
Pipoli Rose Basilicata IGT, Italy
This gorgeous little wine hails from the South of Italy and shows off the sassy side of their pride and joy grape, Aglianico. The nose was a symphony of summer flower aromas with a good punch of black pepper. Coriander, orange peel, balsamic vinegar, strawberries and lavender all came into play. Exotic and worth a hunt.
U Mes U Fan Tres (1+1+3) Rosato Penedes, Spain
This complex and rich rose showed notes of blackberries, cocoa and cured meats with plenty of cranberry fruit. This would easily hold up to strong meats on the grill or a great salami and cheese platter.
Mulderbosch Rose Stellenbosch, South Africa
A Cabernet Sauvignon rose made with light berry notes and a touch of violet. Light and tasty from a country that’s newer to rose exporting in the U.S
Some of my other favorites year to year are listed below. Interestingly, the better deals are usually found form the imports; expect to pay more for the California offerings:
• Regaliali Rose IGT, Sicilia, Italy
• Marques de Caceras Rose, La Rioja, Spain
• Bonny Doon Vin Gris, Santa Cruz, California
• Sanford Pinot Noir-Vin Gris, Santa Rita Hills, California
• Swanson Rosato, Napa Valley, California
So, real man, can you drink pink wine? They’re great in summer and early fall and I recommend them for a picnic with your better half. Raise you glass high, toast the color of the sunset and enjoy that sip in your glass – maybe even with jalapeño poppers!
The Sexy Sommelier, Lisa Kennelly, has had her wine expertise tried by the Court of Master Sommelier and has taught wine appreciation at universities and in hundreds of wine tastings around the country. She has owned wine bars, fine wine shops, and catering companies, contributed to cookbooks, and best of all, is really easy on the eyes.
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