'Tis the Season for Roses

 

With the advent of summer and (hopefully) warm weather, the season for rose wines is upon us. While some tend to think of them as being less serious than red or white wines, there are quite a few roses that offer plenty of flavor interest.

 

Basically, there are two ways to make a rose. The preferred method is to crush red grapes, leave them on the skins for about 24 hours (to take on the rose tinge) and then ferment the juice. Another method is the saignee, whereby juice is drawn off from fermenting red wine and then continue the fermentation. The saignee process can be tricky, as the fermentation needs to be carefully controlled and brought to a dry or nearly dry finish. Properly done, roses can be terrific wines, ideal for summer.

 

In recent issues, and in the upcoming July post, I have reviewed a few noteworthy roses:

 

2009 Barnard-Griffin Rose of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley ($12) - Brilliant pink color. Fresh berry and cherry flavors, with good acidity. Terrific buy. 17.5/20 points. (May)

2009 El Corazon "Red Frog" Rose, Columbia Valley ($16) - Produced principally from Syrah, it has a deep rose color (from extended skin contact) and lively, lightly spiced fruit. 18/20 points. (May)

2009 Trio Vintners Tres Rose, Columbia Valley ($15) - A 50/50 Grenache and Mourvedre combination, it is off-dry (1.2% residual sugar) with vibrant berry fruits. 17.5/20 points. (June)

2009 CAVU Cellars Barbera Rose, Horse Heaven Hills, Alder Ridge Vineyard ($20) - This is a winner: ripe, fresh cherry flavors with a twist of orange peel. 18/20 points. (July)

2009 Trust Cellars Rose of Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley ($16) - Floral wild strawberry and raspberry with lively, lightly squeezed fruits and a snap of tangerine. 17.5/20 points. (July)

 

Here are a few more roses that I have liked:

 

2009 Adamant Cellars Ruby Ruth Rose #2, Columbia Valley ($15) - Deep crimson colored, this wine displays ripe, perfumed berry and cherry aromas with lively fruits and fine balance. 17.5+/20 points.

2009 Chinook Rose of Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley ($15) - Brilliant pink color with raspberry and strawberry aromas and flavors that finish dry and well-extracted. 17.5/20 points.

2009 Waters Rose, Walla Walla Valley ($18) - Composed of 75% Syrah and 25% Viognier, co-fermented, this shows a pale salmon color, enticing berry and spice aromas, and flavors of gently squeezed pomegranates and berries. 18/20 points.

2009 Efeste "Babbitt" Rose, Columbia Valley ($18) - This is sold out at the winery but may be found at various retailers. Fairly dry for a rose, it abounds with deep, satisfying flavors. 18/20 points.

 

What to have with roses? These wines are ideal accompaniments to warm weather food: grilled chicken, charcuterie (ham, salami, pates) and salades composes (Nicoise, Cobb, chicken), also sushi. They make refreshing aperitifs, too.

 

Coming Up: The Wine Bloggers Conference

 

Tomorrow, I will be heading back to Walla Walla for the Wine Bloggers Conference which will being together 300 wine bloggers from around the country. There will be lots of events on the agenda and the conference looks to be busy and stimulating. I'll be reporting on it in next week's blog.