This year it is the 2011 vintage. I have written two articles so far on the 2011 rosés (to read the Côtes de Provence rosé trade tasting article click here and to read the first Featured Wine Commentary on 2011 rosés click here).   Also, if you missed it, a 2010 rosé article from last year featured an introduction that dealt with the attraction of rosé, when to drink it, and with what types of foods. Also how to chose between the different types of rosés (to read that article click here).

As I have said many times, I have never found a year where there were not an abundance of wonderful rosés. The reason is simple. Rosés mostly come from warm climate areas, and the grapes are nearly always harvested under favorable conditions. Add to this that in the old world areas that specialize in rosé, the wines historically have been made to accompany food. Therefore, they are not overly extracted or over the top (to read my article on that subject click here).  Today increasingly rosés from the new world are following that model. In California, it took consumers a while to catch on to the fact that rosé is not the same as white zinfandel. And, that is a good thing! Now we have some really nice domestic rosés as well as the classic ones that are primarily from France and some other countries such as Spain and Italy.                                               

Having said that, I must say that I find the 2011 rosés to be especially attractive and similar in style. Whereas the 2009s were lush, rounded, and supple, the 2010s were very pure and had a nice underlying crispness. The 2011s are different. They seem brighter and crisper and yet have gorgeous fruit that really sings. So for now, do not fail to buy these 2011s. They are irresistible.

But, in my cellar I always have older rosés. Recently I have enjoyed delicious rosés from as far back as 2003 and have also enjoyed many 2009s and 2010s. The best advice I can give you is that if you have good storage, don’t hesitate to over purchase, especially if you get a “deal” in the fall or the next year when the focus turns to the 2012s and merchants want to get rid of their remaining inventory.  Remember, what you don’t drink this year you can drink next year. And in many cases, certain rosés can be kept for several years and some well beyond. Some actually benefit from bottle age. The latter include some Loire Valley rosés and some of the rosés from the Côtes du Rhone and the Côtes de Provence (especially Bandol rosé). Later I will publish an article with specific notes on older rosés. This entire concept flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but it is true. For consumers who love rosé this represents a great opportunity. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, don’t miss the 2011 rosés. They are some of the best balanced and food friendly wines in the world. They are affordable and generally priced in a range of $10 -$40. And, they are simply delicious well chilled with lighter foods and the foods of summer. So what are you waiting for?

 

FRANCE

 Corsica

 

Corsica is a 3350 square mile island that is part of France even though it is actually closer to Italy. Vineyards were first established here in the 6^th century BC and then went through a massive expansion that began about 50 years ago. This expansion largely favored quantity over quality. But, in the last 30 years that has all changed. Here is a quote from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant who is now importing wines from several Corsican producers (including the two rosés reviewed below):

 “It’s an upheaval! In thirty years Corsican vineyards have completely changed face. In the 1970’s, vines occupied over 30000 hectares, for the most part planted on the eastern plains with excessive yields. In 2011, only 7000 hectares remain in production on the island. Far from being a failure, this contraction heralds a tremendous renewal.

Let’s say it clear: Corsica is THE exciting wine region in France. Twenty days of inquiry and a complete tour of the island have permitted us to identify the factors of its dynamism. Foremost, the recognition and protection of a rich heritage of indigenous varietals after thirty years of research. Secondly, spectacular work on modernization of cellars and the emergence of a generation of vigerons liberated from the errors of the past and assuming their identity….”

 Fraternal Twins?

Here are a pair of stunning Corsican rosés. I would say they are like fraternal twins – not alike, but with a sense of place and style that brings them together. They are just exquisite.

The Almaric family has owned the Domaine de Marquiliani since the 1950s some 20 years after the 200 year old estate was destroyed by fire. It is located in the village of Aghione not far from the old Roman capital of Corsica. Today Anne Almaric works with her father and makes this rosé which is harvested from 5 acres of 50 year old vines consisting of 92% Sciaccarellu and 8% Syrah.

2011 Domaine de Marquiliani Rosé de Sciaccarella Haute-Corse.
Wow! This rosé is as delicate as it gets. The wine almost vaporizes on your palate leaving a delicate flavor impression. You might call this rosé the vinous equivalent of cotton candy without sweetness! It is just stunning. With a very pale salmon pink color showing a faint golden hue the wine has a haunting floral perfume with hints of melon and citrus and a faint whiff of flintiness. With great balance the flavors hint of melon and citrus with just a kiss of peach and citrus with a very faint underlying minerality. The finish is subtle, but lasting and the wine exudes finesse and elegance – Outstanding Plus.  Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA.    $25  

Yves Canarelli took over the family domaine Clos Canarelli in 1993 and has replanted most of the vineyards with ancient Corsican varietals. The property is situated near a remote village outside of Figari on the southern tip of Corsica. This rosé is made from 50% Sciaccarellu, 30% Niellucciu, and 20% Grenache harvested from some 33 acres of 15 year old vines.

2011 Clos Canarelli Rosé Corse Figari.
Pale salmon pink in color this rosé has a lovely perfume of rose petals with a kiss of spice and cherry. The wine is very elegant with great finesse and charm. Balanced with exquisite flavors showing subtle hints of rose petals, cherry, melon, and citrus this is irresistibly fine and really delicious – Outstanding Plus.   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA.   $28  

 

Côtes de Provence

 

2011 Domaine L’Abbaye Rosé Cuvée Benjamin Le Thoronet Côtes de Provence.
This domaine produces the great Clos de Beylesse rosé which is considered to be the best vineyard in the domaine. Clos de Beylesse is consistently one of the most elegant and finesseful of all rosés (to read about the history of this domaine and Clos de Beylesse click here). This wine is produced from estate grown grapes and is a different blend of grapes that include Grenache and Cinsault. It too is lovely. Pale salmon pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge the wine has very nice floral perfume hinting of peach and citrus. It is crisp and very pure with lovely fruit showing nuances of citrus and peach has a nice clean crisp finish – Highly Recommended.   $13.99   Imported by Wine Emporium Brooklyn, NY. 

 

2011 Chateau du Rouet Rosé Cuvée Réservée Tradition Côtes de Provence.
Situated in the heart of Provence at the foot of the red rock mountains, part of the Esterel mountain range, the Savatier family has owned this property since the 18th century. The vineyards were destroyed by fire and were replanted in the 1920s.  The Cuvée Reservée Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. It is consistently one of the best values in Côtes de Provence rosés and this 2011 continues the trend.
Light salmon pink in color with a faint golden hue, the wine has a lovely floral perfume with suggestions of peach and citrus and faint hints of herbs and spice. It is balanced and rounded with flavors of peach and citrus with an underlying floral and spice nuances. Elegant and very tasty this is a really lovely rosé – Outstanding.    $13.99   Best Buy   Imported by Eurovin U.S.A. Van Nuys, CA.   

2011 Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rosé.
Cassis is a small area facing the sea in the southern end of the Côtes de Provence near  Marseille. The vineyards of Clos Sainte Magdeleine are situated on limestone cliffs that are situated above the Mediterranean sea below.
This rosé is made from 70% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, and 15% Mouvèdre. It is always a wine of great elegance and finesse, and this 2011 is again gorgeous. Pale salmon pink in color with a faint orange hue and a golden edge, the wine has a lovely floral perfume with a hint of apricot and a very faint tinge of spice. It is crisp and very pure with floral citrus nuances and faint underlying nuances of peach and apricot – Outstanding Plus.    $32   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA.   

Bandol

 

Bandol is a small appellation of some 2700 acres near Toulon facing the Mediterranean Sea in the South of France. Vineyards here date back to the 5^th century BC. Bandol is known for the production of Red, Rosé, and White wines. Some 70% of the wine made here is red and Mouvèdre must account for at least 50% of the red wines. Cinsault and Grenache are the other major red grape varieties used. The rosés of Bandol are amongst the most complex of all rosés and are often capable of aging for many years.

 

2011 Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rosé.
Comte Henri de Saint-Victor and family purchased this estate in 1975. It sits at the top of La Colline du Télégraphe in the northernmost part of the appellation. From here the château looks out at the amphitheater of vines known as the Théatre d’Epidaure, and beyond, the Mediterranean Sea.
This 2011 rosé is lovely and is comprised of 50% Mourvédre and 50% Cinsault. Light salmon pink in color with a golden hue the wine has a lovely floral perfume with faint herbal nuances. With air there are also hints of peach and citrus. The flavors are expressive with peach and citrus accented by floral undertones and benefit greatly from aeration. This wine has great style and finesse and is soft and balanced with a nice underlying crispness – Outstanding Plus.   $26    Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines Syosset, NY.   

 

2011 Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé.
This estate has a long history dating back to 1752 when it was brought into the Portalis family by Jean Marie Etienne Portalis who was a minister of Napoleon. It was ravaged during the Revolution in 1789. It was not until the Bandol appellation was established in 1941 that it was restored by Arlette Portalis and her mother, Suzanne. Since 1985 Arlette’s son Cyrille has been in charge and makes the wine. Today he is joined by his sons Etienne and Edouard in continuing the family tradition.The rosé is a blend of  55% Mouvèdre and 45% Cinsault. It is light salmon pink in color with a faint golden orange hue and golden edge and has a deep floral perfume with a kiss of herbs, spice, and citrus. The wine is elegant and balanced with lovely floral tinged fruit accented by a herbal citrus quality and a nice underlying crispness – Outstanding.    $22.50   Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant New York, NY.  

 

2011 Domaine Du Gros ‘Noré Bandol Rosé.
This estate consists of some 36 acres of 30-year-old vines. The vines were planted by the owners of Domaine Tempier and are situated only a few hundred yards away from those of that Domaine. For many years Alain Pascal and his father sold their fruit to Domaine Ott and Chateau di Pibarnon. After his father’s death, Alain named the estate for his father, Honoré Gros ‘Noré, which means Big Honoré with the name Honoré shortened to Noré. Honoré was a giant of a man and Pascal is cut from the same mold. The first wines were made here beginning with the 1997 vintage. Having said that, the Domaine has already established itself as one of the best and most consistent producers of Bandol Rosé. It is made from 40% Mouvèdre, 40% Cinsault, and 20% Grenache.
Light salmon pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge the wine has a deep floral herbal perfume with hints of raspberry and citrus. It is gorgeous with lovely balance and flavors that have herbal and floral nuances accented by hints of citrus and strawberry. This is yet another really gorgeous rosé from this domaine – Outstanding Plus.   $30    Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.   

 

2011 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé.
This property has been owned by the Tempier family since 1834. They won their first gold medal in 1885 so they have a long track record of excellence. And, year in and year out for as long as I can remember, their rosé is superb. Made with 50% Mouvèdre, 28% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, and 2% Carignan, it combines complexity with finesse and flavor in a way that defines the very best Rosés. And, it ages very well and after a few years develops even more complexity.
This 2011 is again stunning. Light salmon pink in color with and orange amber hue and a faint golden tinge the wine has a gorgeous perfume showing hints of peach intermingled with herbs and spice and a floral undertone. With great intensity and balance this rosé has gorgeous peach tinged fruit with floral herbal nuances and a faint kiss of spice. It is more expressive with aeration and should age beautifully for many years – Exceptional.   $39   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.  

 

2011 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé.
In 1963 this property was purchased by Georges Delille. It is framed by the Mediterranean and the mountain called Gros-Cerveau which translates to Big Brain. Under the direction of Lucien Peyraud of Domaine Tempier, Georges spent 10 years renovating and replanting. His son, Reynald, joined him in 1980 after finishing winemaking school and they produced their first vintage of Domaine de Terrebrune which is named for the rich brown soils. The rosé is made from 50% Mouvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 25% Cinsault.
Pale amber orange in color with a golden hue and golden edge, this wine has deep floral perfume with hints of mint and apricot and a touch of citrus and spice. It is very pure and elegant with great finesse and flavor and is rounded and lush with a lovely underlying crispness. The flavors are refined and expressive showing hints of peach and apricot with faint floral nuances and a touch of citrus and spice. With impressive length, this is a really marvelous Bandol rosé – Exceptional.    $30    Best Buy   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.  

 

 Côtes du Rhone

 

 

2011 Chateau d’Or et des Gueules Rosé Les Cimels.
In 1998 Diane de Puymorin purchased the Domaine de la Petite Cassagne in Costieres de Nimes and renamed it Château d’Or et de Gueules. The name comes from the family crest with its colors reflecting the personality of the wines she produces – gold (“Or” in French) to signify the depth and fullness of the southern sun and warmth, red (“Gueules” in old French) for the character and power.
This 2011 rosé is made from 45% each Mouvèdre and Cinsualt and the balance Grenache and Syrah. The result is a rosé that is like a Bandol rosé in style, but at a much lower price. The name “Les Cimels” means “fruit bouquet”. The color is light salmon pink and the wine has a gorgeous perfume with floral peach and citrus undertones. It is subtle and refined with hints of berries and peaches with herbal citrus nuances and has great finesse and a nice crispness – Outstanding.   $13.79   Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections Washington D.C.  

 

2011 Domaine De La Petite Cassagne Rosé.
Diane Puymorin’s other label is Petite Cassagne, which was actually the name of the domaine she purchased in 1998 and renamed Chateau d’Or et des Gueules. This 2011 is made from equal parts Cinsault, Grenache, Mouvèdre, and Syrah. The 2010 and 2011 vintages of this rosé seem to reflect a change in direction toward a wine with more complexity and less obvious fruit. This 2011 is really tasty. Light salmon pink in color with a golden hue the wine has a subtle floral perfume with hints of citrus. It is elegant and crisp with delicate flavors of peach and strawberry with faint floral citrus hints – Highly Recommended Plus.   $11.29   Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections Washington D.C. 

 

 

2011 Domaine De Fondréche Rosé l’Instant Ventoux.
This rosé is made from 50% Cinsault and equal parts of Grenache and Syrah. It has great finesse and style and is a great bargain. Pale salmon pink in color with a faint golden hue the wine has a gorgeous perfume of rose petals, citrus, and hints of rosemary. The flavors are subtle and refined offering floral citrus nuances with a faint herbal undertone. Elegant and balanced with a lovely crisp finish, this is a delicious rosé and offers the great combination of being easy on the palate and easy on the wallet – Outstanding.   $13.99   Best Buy    Imported by Robert Kacher Selections Washington D.C.  

 

 2011 Chateau De Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé.
Guillaume Demoulin is the fourth generation owner of the 18^th century chateau which was purchased by his great-grandfather in 1936. That was the same year that the Tavel A.O.C was established, but the vineyards were in terrible shape and it was not until 1960 that the chateau was fully restored and the grapes were producing wine worthy of domaine bottling. The wine is made from 56% Grenache Noir, 20% Cinsault, 10% Clairette, 4% Syrah, 4% Bourbelenc, 3% Mouvèdre, and 3% Grenache Blanc grown on vineyards that total just under 70 acres.
This 2011 is stunningly delicious and a great example of the purity and finesse and depth of Tavel Rosé. Pale reddish pink in color the wine has a gorgeous floral perfume with underlying berry fruit accented by a hint of citrus. It is elegant and finesseful yet brimming with berry and cherry fruit and a nice citrus tinge on the finish. This is a very refined fruit driven rosé that is simply irresistible – Outstanding Plus.    $17.95    Best Buy   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.   

 

LoireValley

The Loire Valley has a long history of winemaking dating back to the 1^st century. The Loire Valley wine region stretches from the Muscadet region near the city of Nantes on the Atlantic coast to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé just southeast of the city of Orléans in north central France. In between are the regions of Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinon, and Vouvray. While most of the Loire Valley production is white wine there are also red and rosé wines made from Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir in certain regions.  In particular, the rosés of Chinon and Sancerre can rival the best rosés of France.

 

 

 

2011 Lucien Crochet Pinot Rosé Sancerre.
This domaine was created from the winegrowing estates of Lucien’s father, Andre, and his father-in-law Lucien Picard. Lucien expanded the estate in the last 30 years to its current size of 95 acres. Approximately 75% is Sauvingon Blanc used to make Sancerre and 25% Pinot Noir used to make Pinot Rosé and Pinot Noir. Lucien’s son, Gilles, now runs the estate. The Pinot Rosé is really lovely and very consistent.
Light reddish pink in color with a golden hue this wine has a lovely floral citrus tinged perfume. The fruit is very pure with subtle hints of cherry and citrus and the wine is balanced and flavorful with a nice underlying crispness. Elegant and well structured this a rosé that can be enjoyed now or over a period of several more years – Outstanding.     $24    Rosenthal Wine Merchant New York, NY   

 

2011 Domaine des Corbillières Rosé Touraine.
This domaine, located near the city of Tours, was purchased by Fabel Barbou in 1923 and is now in the 4^th generation of family ownership under the direction of Veronique and Dominique Barbou. Estate bottling began here around 1950. The domaine today consists of 65 acres and white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines are made. Some 2 ½ acres is devoted to Pineau d’Aunis (also known as Chinon Noir) from which the rosé is made. This is consistently an excellent rosé and is a great value. It also ages beautifully. A 2006 recently tasted was delicious and drinking beautifully with no sign of decline.
Pale salmon pink in color with a golden orange tinge the wine has a gorgeous perfume with hints of strawberry and citrus. Very crisp with subtle flavors of strawberry, cherry, and citrus the fruit is very pure and bright. It is really tasty now, but over the next few years it will round out and drink beautifully. This is a consistent over achiever and a terrific bargain – Outstanding.    $14.99     Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections Washington D.C.  

2011 Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé.
Bernard Baudry purchased his first land in Chinon in 1975. The plot totaled five acres and in subsequent years the land holdings have grown to 50 acres. His son, Mathieu, joined him in 2000. They work vineyards that are located in 5 distinct soil types and each of their cuvees utilize the different soil types and vinification methods. The wines are made utilizing traditional methods and aged in old and new barrels. The quality/value relationship here is outstanding.
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, this rosé is very light salmon pink in color with a faint golden hue and has a lovely floral perfume with faint hints of citrus and spice. The wine is very elegant and delicious with gorgeous fruit that is balanced by faint hints of citrus. The alcohol is just 12% and the wine while light has amazing length on the finish – Outstanding Plus.   $19.95  Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA. & Louis/Dressner Selections LDM Wines, Inc. New York, NY.  

2011 Claude et Florence Thomas Labaille Rosé Sancerre L’Authentique.
Claude and Florence Thomas Labaille produce one of the greatest Sancerres (to read an article featuring their wines click here).   I was not aware that they also made a Sancerre rosé until I found this wine. I am told it is made from Pinot Noir press wine. Whatever, it is delicious. Light salmon pink in color with a reddish hue this rosé has a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of citrus and cherries. With great fruit again showing hints of citrus and cherries the wine has elegance and is beautifully balanced but also has depth and a nice underlying crispness. This is a gorgeous rosé with a lot of character and substance – Outstanding Plus.    $21  Louis/Dressner Selections Imported by LDM Wines Inc. New York, NY.  

 

2011 Charles Joguet Chinon Rosé.
Charles Joguet assumed control of the family domaine in 1957. He soon realized that the old way of selling the wine in bulk needed to change. He was an advocate of specific sites and was one of the first in the area to begin estate bottling with individual plots bottled separately. Charles has since retired, but today Kevin Fontaine oversees the vineyards and the cellars. He and his team farm 90 acres of vines. About 85% is planted to Cabernet Franc with nearly 1/3 of that devoted to the Chinon Rosé. The rest is bottled under 7 separate vineyard designated red wines (to read my article on this domaine click here)   This wine is very crisp and really benefits from air. Tasted over 5 days it showed consistent improvement. If you like your rosé crisp and want a rosé to accompany hardier fare from the grill, this wine is for you. Also, it is a wine you can cellar and enjoy for a number of years. Made from grapes harvested from 30 year old Cabernet Franc wines, the wine has a light reddish color with an orange hue and a golden edge. It opens to reveal a lovely floral perfume with hints of cherries. Very crisp and bright there is nice fruit accented by citrus and an underlying faintly smoky minerality with lovely fruit showing in the aftertaste – Outstanding.   $19.95   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA. 

 

 

 
 Languedoc-Roussillon

This region which spans the Mediterranean coastline from the French border with Spain to the region of Provence is the biggest wine producing region in the world and accounts for over one third of France’s total wine production. The area is the sunniest region in France and has very little rainfall. A wide variety of rosés are produced here. Areas with specific appellations are under the strictest control with respect to grape varieties, area, yields, and percentages of grapes used, etc. The region of Languedoc-Roussillon includes the appellations of Corbières, Coteaux du Languedoc, Faugères, Minervois, Roussillon, and Saint Chinian. But, most of the wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon region is marketed as Vin de Pays d’Oc or country wine which are wines that must be from the region and contain only certain grape varieties. Often these wines will also take the name of an area.

 2011 Chateau de Lascaux Rosé Coteaux du Languedoc.
Made with 40% Cinsault, 30% Syrah, and 30% Grenache this rosé is light salmon pink in color with a faint golden hue. It has a nice floral citrus perfume and lovely very pure fruit accented by a floral nuance. Initially a bit closed, the wine opened over several days revealing more intensity balanced by a nice underlying crispness – Highly Recommended Plus.   $16.95   Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.  

2011 Michael Chapoutier Rosé Les Vignes De Bila Haut Pays D’Oc.
This is a lovely value priced rosé with a light reddish pink color showing a faint golden hue. It has a very nice floral perfume with hints of peach and a touch of citrus. Crisp, clean and fresh, the wine has hints of strawberry with floral citrus notes and a nice crisp finish – Highly Recommended.   $10.99    R. Shack Selection Imported by HB Wine Merchants New York, NY. 

 

2011 Domaine St. Antoine Rosé Pays Du Gard.
This rosé is made from 100% Syrah using the saignée method whereby the red wine is intensified by taking some of the juice and fermenting it as a rosé. This technique can produce very fruity and lush wines with great early appeal. This one really fits the bill! It is a poster child for this type of rosé and is a great bargain. It has a light reddish color with a golden hue and has a gorgeous floral berry perfume. Lush rounded and supple the wine has lots of fruit that is beautifully integrated with flavors of cherry and watermelon. Underneath the fruit is a nice citrus tinge and the finish has a nice crispness which accentuates the freshness of the fruit. This is one to drink soon and often. Easy on the palate and easy on the wallet this is a great twofer – Outstanding.   $11.29   Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections Washington D.C.  

 

 2011 Vignobles Boudinaud Grange Des Rouquette Rosé Pays D’Oc.
The Boudinaud family have been wine growers and winemakers for five generations. This is another rosé made from 100% Syrah using the saignée method. Like the Domaine St. Antoine, it is a poster child for what great young fruity rosé can be. With a light reddish color showing a golden hue the wine has an intensely fruity perfume of raspberries, cherries and watermelon with just a kiss of spice. It has the same intense fruit flavors showing great purity and a nice crispness on the finish. This is yet another deliciously fruity rosé that is a great bargain and one to drink soon and often. I particularly like this style of rosé when it is nice and COLD – Outstanding.   $12.79   Best Buy   Imported by Robert Kacher Selections Washington D.C.  

 2011 Domaine du Poujol Rosé Pays De L’Hérault.
This domaine was purchased by an English man and his American wife in 1994. They were the first non French people to own a domaine in this part of the Languedoc. The property sits just outside the Pic St. Loup appellation. Red, white, and rosé wines are produced. This rosé is made from 30% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan, and 10% Mourvèdre. It is a delicate wine with a pale salmon pink color showing a faint golden hue and a nice floral herbal perfume. With floral accents and hints of citrus the wine is supple and flavorful with a nice underlying crispness – Highly Recommended Plus.    $16.00 Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.  

 2011 Chateau St. Martin De La Garrigue Rosé Tradition Coteaux du Languedoc.This rosé is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache. It is light reddish pink in color and has a subtle perfume of berry fruit with a faint floral citrus tinge. With very pure berry fruit the wine is crisp and well balanced with a nice finish – Highly Recommended.   $13.50  Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA.  

 

   ITALY

 

Tuscany

2011 Castello di Ama Rosato Tuscany.
This rosé is made with Sangiovese with a little Merlot added and comes from this estate which is known for its wonderful Chiantis and the Super Tuscan L’Apparita. The wine is light reddish pink in color and has a faint floral perfume with a hint of cherries. It is elegant, soft, rounded and fruity with nice balance and an underlying crispness on the finish – Highly Recommended.    $17.95   Imported by The Sorting Table LLC Napa, CA.  

 

More notes on 2011 rosés will follow as the wines arrive. For now, there are lots of choices to choose from. Take your pick from the great 2011 roses from Bandol, Corsica, the Côtes de Provence, Tavel, the Rhone Valley, Sancerre, and Chinon (priced from $17.95 to $39) as well as the outstanding Best Buys from the Côtes du Rhone, Touraine, and the Languedoc-Rouissillon (priced from $11.29 to $14.99).  And if you are looking for recipes for two of our favorite food pairings with rosé you can find them in an article from last year by clicking here).