YES YOU CAN DRINK ROSE AND STILL BE A BAD ASS!
Rosé wines are perhaps the most versatile, food-friendly wines around. They have had an image problem to overcome, thanks in part to the run of “White Zin,” as many consumers(non wolfepack) mistake Rosé wines to be overly sweet and in the category of “starter wine.” However, Rosé wine sales are on the rise as savvy Wine Lovers have discovered that many of these pink wines fall into the definitively “dry” category, not sugary sweet, and the vast majority of Rosé wines offer a very good wine value for the money. Rosé wine hues come from the short contact time that the grape juice has with the grape skin. We love all these and hope you do too!
Summer is here and Rose season is in full gear (yes even if we are still in Spring for another 10 days). Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe has always championed “Drink the Pink”, Many of the 2009’s have arrived and are gorgeous thirst quenchers.
Graham Beck Rose, South Africa NV A blend of 88% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay- Produced in the Methode Cap Classique cellar, Robertson. A unique first for South Africa in that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were pressed together. Fractional recovery from the whole bunches ensured that only the quality juice went into fermentation. After fermentation the wine was lightly fined and bottled for the secondary fermentation. A minimum lees contact time before disgorging of 16 months. Great salmon pink in color makes this wine look extremely attractive. Noticeable ripe strawberries from the Pinot Noir with a creamy complexity from the Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit together with some fresh sherbet on the palate with a long fine creamy mousse.
Borsao Rose Campo de Boria 2009– located in the Campo de Borja region in Aragón just southeast of Navarra, is a phenomenal source of outstanding wine values that are widely available in the market. The style here is distinctly user-friendly and unpretentious: fat, lush and loaded with sweet berry Garnacha fruit.
Verget du Sud Rose du Vaucluse 2009– Lurid pink. Strawberry preserves and raspberry on the nose, with subtle white pepper and mineral notes adding vivacity. Racy and sharply focused, offering zesty redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors, along with good mineral snap. Dry, firm, clean and energetic, with good finishing precision and a lingering citrus character.
Muga Rose Rioja 2009– Proper, bone dry rose made by our superb Rioja producer in Spain’. Fermented in 1000 litre wooden casks and left on its lees. “Bright pink. A complex bouquet displays scents of red berries, cherry, dried flowers, anise and baking spices. Pliant, silky red berry flavors display good depth and gentle sweetness, with a late note of fennel adding complexity. Finishes with good juicy persistence and lingering minerality.
Domaine Charvin Cotes-du-Rhone Rose 2009– Crisp strawberry and cherry aromas lead on the 2009 Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Rosé and give way to a medium bodied, mineral laced wine. Fresh, balanced and with nice length to the finish, this is an excellent Rosé to drink over the next 12 months.
Chateau Paradis Rose Terre de Provence 2009– From Chateau Paradis in the heart of Provence comes this delectable and dry rosé that is perfect for warm weather imbibing. Composed of 60% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah, the Terre de Provence is vinified utilizing cool temperatures and thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks. What this translates to is pure and beautiful fruit nuances that bring to mind warm weather, patio dining, delicious food and great company
Domaine du Dragon Rose Cotes de Provence 2009– This over-achieving estate in eastern Provence redefines southern French rosé wines for the better—here you’ll find older vines grown on high-altitude, very chalky soils, which are unique for the region. A light pink in the glass; a blend of 59% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah and 16% Grenache. The nose shows expressive notes of white and pink roses, with a nice edge of Clementine zest. Wild strawberries and white pepper blend on the mouth, with just a hint of candied rose petals for a touch of sweetness. Wonderful balance and zesty citrus energy throughout
Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, Cotes de Provence 2009- On the lighter side, creamy and elegant, with fresh raspberry and glazed citrus flavors, followed by a lively and well-spiced finish. Winemaker Sacha Lichine (son of Alexis Lichine) is at the helm of this gorgeous property in Provence. This is a blend of Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre vinified in temperature controlled stainless-steel vats without barrel fermentation to keep the freshness and all the vivid berry fruit flavors.
Calera Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Central Coast 2008– This lively refreshing French style dry rosé possesses alluring aromas of pomegranate, rose petal, lilac, jasmine and mandarin zest. The mid-palate has a creamy texture, with flavors of cranberry, strawberry, rhubarb and cantaloupe that melts into a round, lively and flavorful finish.
Copain “Tous Ensemble” Pinot Noir Rose Anderson Valley, 2009– The grapes from this organically farmed Rosé of Pinot Noir are sourced from a variety of Anderson Valley vineyards; more specifically, the 7 ‘single vineyards’ from which Copain produces its highly acclaimed Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs. It is mostly Pinot Noir, with a hint of Syrah, and is made using the saignée method — in which the color is “bled” off of the skins. The fresh strawberry, watermelon and floral notes are pure, fresh and vibrant with mouthwatering acidity that showcase a clean, crystalline purity.
Charles & Charles Syrah Rose, Columbia Valley 2009– From the rocker that is Charles Smith of K Vintners comes this 100% 
Syrah rosé sourced from the Talcott vineyard on the Wahulke Slope. This wine bursts with wild strawberries and raspberries along with some sage, rose petals and a bucket full of watermelon Jolly Ranchers thrown in. All those flavors carry through on the palate and into a bright finish. 2009 was a riper vintage than 2008, thus yielding a slightly darker color and more depth on the palate
Wolfe's Wine Shoppe 