Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Rosé Sales on the Rise

We are happy to report from the retail "trenches" that rosé sales are up, way up. It seems to be the perfect storm of great weather (the norm in SoCal), the education (people realizing the joy of dry pink), the trend (people talking about it), and a slightly bettering economy (rosé aren't that expensive).

We for one, are very happy about this confluence of events. Here are some new rosé wines to hit our shelves. Try some.

2012 Grande Cassagne Costieres di Nimes Rosé $11.99 France
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, and comes from tiny berries of 40+ year old vines. Fermented a short time on its skins, it retains an electric pink color, soaring aromatics, and fully dry palate.

2012 Sainte Eugenie Corbieres Rose $12.99 France
The estate is located within the foothills of the Pyrénées along the Mediterranean coast. Made from Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache. A wonderful, bright rosé displaying fresh raspberry notes with a slight touch of mineral and dried herbs with a dry finish.

2012 San Giovanni Chiaretto Rosato Lombardia $14.99 Italy
This bone dry rosé produced mainly from the Gropello Grape grown on the western shore of Lake Garda is a pure delight. Coral pink with bright red flashes. Floral primrose with sweet fruity notes of raspberry. Fresh, balanced and juicy, with a lingering flavor and crisp acidity.

2012 Bargemone Provence Rose $16.99 France
(90 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Pale peach skin color. Aromas of tangerine, pit fruit, lavender and chalky minerals. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering sappy nectarine and citrus fruit flavors sharpened by a kick of white pepper. Closes with very good energy, thrust and length, leaving notes of soft citrus and pit fruits behind. Made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon."

2012 Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis $19.99 Spain
(92 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Pale pink. Potent mineral and floral aromas of raspberry, cherry pit and blood orange, with a touch of white pepper coming up with air. Dry, racy and precise, offering bitter orange zest and cherry flavors and a touch of honeysuckle. Very fresh and energetic on the finish, offering sexy floral and spicecake qualities."

2012 Mas Jullien Rosé Coteaux du Languedoc $22.99 France
Olivier Jullien is a talented vigneron. His Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé is a tour de force with power and spice that makes this a truly distinctive effort. Made from a classic mix of local grapes, including Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.  Much like the formidable Rosés of Bandol, this effort from Mas Jullien will stand the test of time.

2011 Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rosé Tradition Cru Classe $23.99 France
This classic rosé is a wine destined for the food of Provence. Full of flavors, it makes a great pairing with red mullet fillets or tomato bouillabaisse. Aromas of orange peel with spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant with fruit tones and saline notes. Made with 90% old vine Tibouren and 10% Syrah. Fantastic!

And there will be more...