This is a post I've been intending to write all summer, but have been sidetracked by one thing or another. Now, summer's almost over and here finally are my thoughts on the perfect Summer Rosé wines. As the saying goes, better late...
So, although I'm a big wine lover, I was never a fan of rosés, the world's favorite glamorous summer wine. Whenever I tried I found them either sweet and fruity or bland and lifeless. As I have friends who are committed to rosé wines and drink them pretty much exclusively throughout the summer, I thought I'd try again.
This year with guidance from Susannah Smith, one of the wine experts at Flatiron Wines & Spirits who knows a lot about rosés in particular, we chose a selection from the South of France, Spain and Crête to try.
I also learned that production of rosés has been improving steadily over the last several years and they've become typically drier, with more nuance and balance, particularly from the boutique vineyards. As Eric Asimov, wine critic for the New York Times eloquently put it..."These are likely to be bone dry, though not always. They will be balanced with aromas, flavors and colors arrived at naturally, without manipulation on the assembly line."
I'm happy to report that this has been my first completely rosé summer and I've loved the ones from Provence and Cassis most of all!
Serge Bloch
Selection of rosés Eric Asimov chose for his New York Times Wine School column
Montenidoli Canaiulo Rosato 2015, Terrebrune Bandol Rosè 2015, Domaine Economou (Oikonomoy) Liatiko Rose 2014, Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé 2015, Domaine Comte Abbatucci Ajaccio "Cuvee Faustine" Rosé 2015, Domaine Comte Abbatucci VDF Gris Imperial Rosé 2015
Relaxing by Phyllis's pool in Bridgehampton was the perfect setting for sampling rosés and we loved this one - medium dry, light fruit notes, floral bouquet and such a pretty color!
Take your pick - Flatiron Wines & Spirits, 929 Broadway, New York, NY 10010