The Cellar: Time for Rosé
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Time for Rosé
With temperatures expected to get into the 80’s next week, I figured it was time for this season’s first Rosé themed feature. The following are reviews of two outstanding, value-priced Rosés that are both great for light meals, lounging on the patio or sipping around the pool.
Rosé is one of my favorite a categories of wine. If you haven’t been tasting what is available out there I strongly suggest you head to your nearest wine merchant asap. Because in the past decade or so the quality of Rosé has increased dramatically as producers around the world have started paying the attention and giving the dedication this category of wine deserves – this instead of just seeing Rosés as a convenient byproduct of red winemaking.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhile many commercially available Rosés are made from thinner skinned grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Grenache, the fact is that Rosés can be made from pretty much any red grape. Oh, and if you think all Rosés are sweet (as in white zinfandel sweet) think again as most serious Rosés are dry with delicious red fruits and bright acidity.
This week’s first wine is the $12ish 2014 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon from Mulderbosch Vineyards. Mulderbosch’s wines are among the more widely available wines from South Africa. I absolutely love their Chenin and Sauvignon Blancs, but their Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 1999, is delicious also. Mulderbosch were among the first in South Africa to launch a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé utilizing grapes from vineyards specifically planted to produce Rosé fruit. This special aromatic clone is ‘designed’ to retain its acidity and is ideal for early picking.
This week’s other Rosé is a more classic example made from Pinot Noir. It is the $14ish 2014 La Petite Perrière Rosé from Loire Valley’s famed Le Domaine Saget. The La Petite Perrière series of wine is one of a handful made by the Saget family; a family that has been growing grapes in the Loire Valley since 1790. Le Domaine Saget, which the original Estate is called, almost went out of business 40 years ago when Guy Saget, current proprietor Jean-Louis’ father, died suddenly. Alongside his brother, 20 year-old Jean-Louis overcame poor odds and succeeded not only in revitalizing the original Estate located in Loire’s easternmost Pouilly-sur-Loire appellation, but to expand operations west, through Sancerre and into the Touraine and Anjou.
The La Petite Perrière series is the Domaine’s entry-level wines but the quality is as high as you get in this price-range. This is a lean, clean and crisp Rosé. The 2014 vintage resulted in lower yields due to difficult weather, which included heavy rains, a chilly spring, lack of sun and dry weather during the harvest time. The resulting wine is enticingly aromatic, packed with red fruit flavor and excellent acidity making it a great sipping wine on a hot summer day.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy. The next tasting is Sunday, July 12th, during which participants will be exploring the wines of Central & Eastern Europe.
Rhode Island’s Best Wineries
Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport
This is the Rhode Island festival that all others are judged against. Newport Mansions Wine and Food is in its ninth year of bringing together sublime food talent in a gorgeous Newport setting. This year is no different as the main headliners are Martha Stewart and Sara Moulton. They don't stop there though...imagine hundreds of wines to be sampled on the lawn of Marble House, tasty treats from lots of local restaurants, and appearances by local chefs like Champe Speidel preparing and serving their creations. You've got a bona fide classic! Tickets starts at $135. www.newportmansions.org
Newport Vineyards, Middletown
This vineyard was originally planted in 1977 with the goal of preserving the coastal land. Captain Richard Alexander planted 10 acres of French-American grapes in 1977 with the help of his family, friends, and neighbors. In 1988, in partnership with the Nunes family, Captain Alexander established his first winery. In 2002, the land was placed into perpetual preservation through a partnership between the Nunes Family, the Aquidneck Land Trust, and the State of Rhode Island.
Tours and tastings occur Sunday – Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. and hourly on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $12 per person for 5 samples; $15 per person for 5 samples plus signature glass. 909 East Main Rd. 848-5161,www.newportvineyards.com
Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth
Located along the beautiful Sakonnet River, Greenvale Vineyards has been in the family since 1863 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Cortlandt Parker, the farm’s fourth generation, and his wife Nancy started to grow grapes here as a hobby in the 1960’s. In the early 80’s, the Parkers decided to embark on the development of a commercial vineyard. The focus is on conservation of open space, preservation of historic buildings and the education of its visitors. Tastings occur daily and cost $12 for 7 varietals; tours are daily at 2 p.m. and are *$15 per person for the tour and tasting. 582 Wapping Rd. 847-3777, www.greenvale.com
Langworthy Farm Winery, Westerly
Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical home site of Governor Samuel Ward. Owners Joe and Gail Sharry first planted vinifera grape vines in 2002 and produced the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel that same year. They now produce more than a dozen varietals, including 7 reds. Alongside the vineyard is a Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast that the Sharrys operate in season. Meals, of course, are always paired with house wines.
Tastings run daily from July 4 through Labor Day and are $7 per person for 5 wines. 308 Shore Rd. 322-7791, www.langworthyfarm.com
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton
A popular and iconic Rhode Island vineyard, Sakonnet was founded in 1975 and for over 30 years has pioneered the production of fine wines in New England. Several vinifera varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and the unique hybrid Vidal Blanc are grown, and Sakonnet also produces an award-winning Sparkling wine. This is Rhode Island’s largest vineyard, producing upwards of 30,000 cases annually.
Tours and tastings occur daily between noon and 3 and are $10. There is also a café and outdoor seating. 162 West Main Rd. 635-8486, www.sakonnetwine.com
