The line-up this time included three different rosés (see my tasting notes for these below) in exchange for the Sonoma Grenache, the Aldesheim Pinot Noir and the Israeli Barbera that we sampled at the May 20th tasting. The evening started off with three Provencal rosés, including the 2013 Miraval from the Jolie-Pitt estate, which just happened to be the cover story of the latest issue of the Wine Spectator:
http://www.winespectator.com/issue/show/date/2014-06-30
Despite the frisson of imbibing a "movie-star wine," the general consensus was that it fell short of expectations, and the Whispering Angel from Chateau D'Esclans was again the clear favorite, followed by Jean-Luc Colombo's Cape Bleue whose quality/price ratio is hard to beat (about $13 a bottle). Still, there's no doubt the Miraval is a good quality wine at a reasonable price - the suggested retail price is $30 but the wine is widely available in NJ and PA for about $23. For the record, I did sample the 2012 vintage last year and thought that this debut rosé hit the mark in terms of overall appeal - bouquet, structure, fruit and minerality, whereas the 2013 vintage didn't quite measure up.
The 100% Garnacha rosé from Spain - Las Rocas de San Alejandro - was a winner for all the Garnacha/Grenache aficionados who might want something lighter and "chillable" for the summer.
And lastly, we sampled another 100% varietal - this one being a Vermentino Nero from the Liguria region in Italy. Much darker in color than the typical Provencal rosé, the Mea Rosa is definitely on the fruitier side, from the lush aromatic bouquet down to the extended finish.
More and more red grape varietals are being fashioned into rosés, so that if there's particular red you're fond of, chances are you'll find it in a rosé: for example, even stalwart grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are now available as rosés. The summer is just beginning, so start sipping!
Miraval 2013
Varietals:
Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino), Syrah
Classification:
Appellation Côtes de Provence Contrôlée
Production/Tasting Notes: “Mis en
bouteille par Jolie-Pitt & Perrin” (yes, Angelina & Brad); vinified in
temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (95%) and barrels (5%); pale pink in color;
pleasant floral nose of white flowers, soft roses, crushed
strawberries and ripe cherries; round and soft on the palate;
delicate structure that deepens on the palate; fresh summer red fruit:strawberries, wild raspberries,
red currant; hint of lime;mineral notes with a slight saltiness and fresh
acidity; savory herbal edge (91 points, Decanter; 89 points, Wine Spectator)
Las Rocas de
San Alejandro 2013
Varietals: 100% Garnacha
Classification: Denominacion
de Origen (DOC) Calatayud (Spain)
Production/Tasting Notes:
From high altitude vineyards (3500 feet); fruit forward with aromas of
raspberries and strawberries; bright red fruit flavors mingled with a hint of
spice;full-bodied; long, fruity finish
Food
pairings: Light, savory tapas
13.5 % Alcohol
“Mea Rosa” Rosato 2013
Region: Liguria de Levante
(Ortonovo), Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
Production/Tasting Notes:
36 hours cold maceration on the skins, fermentation at controlled temperature
and refining in stainless steel vats; vivid deep pink color; bouquet of red
fruit, wild strawberries with hint of spice; red fruit on the palate with
mineral undertones
Food pairings: Antipasti; seafood dishes; mildly spicy dishes; also as an aperitif
12.5% Alcohol
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