I’ll talk to you later.
The check is in the mail.
I promise I will be on time.
We have all heard these words before, but we are disappointed later.
Well, not this week, loyal readers.
A few weeks ago, while writing about 5 Great Wines for Mother’s Day, I promised myself I’d write more about rosé wines this spring. And this week, I will keep my promise.
Because when the weather’s warm, who doesn’t love a good glass of rosé?
And if you don’t like rose wine, you have to try again.
I know it’s hard to believe, but some people still turn up their noses when sipping pink wine. But in recent years, the quality of these wines has improved significantly. This is especially true when it comes to rose wines from France.
Usually, most articles about French Rosé wines focus on one specific region – Provence.
Do not misunderstand me. I love roses in Provence. I spent a week there a few years ago tasting wines from Provence. But who doesn’t love a little variety?
This week I thought we were going west to France, where you can find plenty of great rosé wines at reasonable prices.
Two of the rosé wines recommended this week come from France’s Rhone region. The other one comes from Bordeaux. And all three wines are under $20 a bottle.
I hope you enjoy.
Clarendelle Bordeaux Rosé 2021 ($15.99 MSRP)
Region: Haut-Briyon, Bordeaux, France
Grapes: 65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
France’s Bordeaux region is certainly not a place most people would normally associate with rosé wine. Instead, it’s the land of world-class silky reds, fine sweet wines and under-the-radar whites, all of which you’ll be able to hear more about in a few weeks. But also add rosé wine to this impressive list. This Haut-Brion gem has been dancing on your taste buds since the beginning. Crisp dry sea salt flavors with a metallic finish and floral aroma make this sweet rosé perfect for any evening, warm or cool, breezy.
2022 M Chapoutier Belrochy Rose ($14.99 MSRP)
Region: Rhone, France
Raisins: a mixture of raisins, navels and pads
In recent years, the Rhone region of France has slowly begun to become famous for its rosé wines. It’s easy to see why. It is affordable. It’s delicious. And they have a very distinct personality. In a way, this rosé and the one after it remind me of the lighter summer versions of the red wine blended from the more famous Rhône. This may be because these two Rhône rosés use three grapes that are often used to make red wines in the Rhône region. This particular rose has a sea salt-like finish with delicate floral notes mixed with hints of strawberry.
2022 E. HUGE DU RONE PINK CHICKEN ($14.99 MSRP)
Region: Rhone, France
Raisins: a mixture of raisins, navels and pads
If you love Rhône wine, you probably know Cave Guigal. They produce an amazing range of wines – from affordable red wines to world-class Coast Roti. In terms of price, this rose definitely falls into the category of affordable everyday products. But don’t let the price fool you. This beautiful and refined wine has wonderfully floral and sweet aromas and flavors. And like the other two roses recommended this week, this fresh and bright rose has a metallic finish with hints of sea salt. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of these three French roses.
Cheers!
He presses Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in the Republican weekend division every Thursday.
