Rosé

 by Greg

Contrary to what many people think about rosé, it’s not necessarily sweet or girly. This was first apparent to me during a visit to Provence in the south of France 10 years ago. I noticed people dining along the Mediterranean Sea sipping this pink juice and I became curious. When served the classic Provence dish of bouillabaisse at one of these seaside bistros I decided to indulge myself in a glass of this neither white nor red wine. Right away I thought to myself – I GET IT! The wine was crisp, dry, and paired beautifully with the bouillabaisse.

What most people don’t know is that a great many of the rosés out there are produced with red grapes and not a convenient blend of white and red wines. As with red wines, the red grapes are pressed and the juice is left in contact with their skins just long enough to impart varying degrees of pink or pale red tint. In addition to color, texture and flavor complexities are achieved by allowing this skin contact as well.

There are so many different styles of rosé, I dare say there is a rosé out there for everyone. Styles range from ‘bold & savory’, ‘fruit-forward’, and ‘crisp minerality’. There is a certain vibe that a chilled bottle of rosé conveys. For me, whatever mood I’m in on given day – that first chilled sip of rosé instantly brings me back to Provence.

One of our favorites this year is the 2013 Gobelsburger’s Rosé. Showing beautifully, it has a bright hint of effervescence to taunt your taste buds and keep you coming back for another sip. Gobelsburger rosé is very similar to a dry white wine because of its fresh acidity and great minerality. It is excellent on its own, as it has flavors of wild strawberry and tart cherry. All of these qualities lend this rosé to also being an extremely food friendly wine. Gobelsburger rosé pairs beautifully with fresh goat cheese and all sorts of seafood. Be sure to have an extra bottle in the fridge because it is one of those wines that makes keeps you coming back for another sip!

At “109” Wine we have assembled a rosé selection we are quite proud of. So please stop in and ask us for a recommendation and we will be happy to help assist you selecting the perfect rosé!

Greg Wood