Two Distinct Roses

You wouldn’t know it by the temperature of late, but fall is approaching and summer will be just a memory.  It’s been great for Rose sales where several red wine diehards have found a chilled and refreshing alternative to their favorite room temperature “go to” for most of the year.

So do we say farewell to the roses until next May and focus strictly on the reds? If many of us drink white wine all year as well as red, then why not rose?  In fact, think about food pairings where rose could be the perfect choice.  Thanksgiving could be a whole new experience for some folks.  Rose and turkey is a winner combination.

There are several roses we have to choose from that come from various parts of the world. Often they are blends but I would like to mention two particular favorites that are single varietal wines. Chateau De La Deidiere is a rose from Provence and is made from 100% Grenache grapes. This wine comes in a lovely curvaceous bottle and has a pale salmon color. There are notes of lemon zest, melon, and spice with strawberry and raspberry fruit.

The second rose is Chateau Guichot 2015 Clairet from Bordeaux. At one time this wine may have been considered a simple, light bodied Bordeaux but in modern times it is definitely a rose and meant to drink young and not age like traditional Bordeaux. It is 100% Merlot and the color is a deep, rich Raspberry hue. This wine is fruit forward with a fresh red berry aroma and taste.

So as we enter autumn, consider some of these food pairings with these roses:

  • Seafood Risotto
  • Baked Ham
  • Grilled Salmon
  • Fresh Tomato Pasta
  • Veal Dishes
  • Roast Turkey
  • BBQ Chicken or Pork
  • Shrimp- chilled
  • Assorted cheeses, particularly soft and mild like brie