Good Things Come in Threes: A Trio of Rosés – Two Sparkling, One Still
Rosé season is in full bloom, and there are more rosés than ever to choose from. As the world changes so quickly and there are fewer and fewer constants to count on, I cherish reasonably priced wines that I can turn to year after year. Just as there are certain dishes I try to make every season, there are certain rosés I like to revisit. Here are three perennial favorites, all from producers to rely on:
Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé NV: Lucien Albrecht, one of the oldest family-owned estates in Alsace, traces its roots to 1425. Crémant d’Alsace doesn’t go back quite that far. It dates to the late 1800s. But it became popular and important commercially in the late 20th century, after Lucien Albrecht in 1971 helped gain Appellation Contrôlêe status for it.
The word crémant used to signify the least fizzy Champagnes. Today it indicates some of the best French sparkling wines, from regions outside Champagne, made using the méthode champenoise (today called the méthode traditionnelle). Lucien Albrecht Crémants are especially well regarded, having in 2004 won an unprecedented four gold medals at the Crémant Wine Challenge tasting. (In her book The Wines of France, Jacqueline Friedrich calls Lucien Albrecht wines “excellent ... on every level.”) This rosé Crémant is 100% Pinot Noir, the only red grape permitted in Alsace. The Lucien Albrecht Crémant is significantly less expensive than Champagne and is an ideal alternative to it.
Description: Dry, crisp acidity, creamy, strawberry, cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors
Food matches: Party hors d’oeuvres, grilled salmon, sushi, ham, turkey
Price: $14.99 at winelibrary.com (see winesearcher.com)*
Marquis de la Tour Sparkling Rosé NV: This rosé hails from Rémy Pannier, the single largest wine producer in the Loire Valley, which is the largest sparkling wine region in France outside Champagne. This Marquis de la Tour is made with Cabernet Franc, the Loire’s prized red varietal, and Grolleau, a Loire grape found mostly in Touraine rosés.
Marquis de la Tour rosé is a versatile wine that goes from aperitif to dessert. Rémy Pannier is known for its good value wines, and the bargain price of this wine makes it a natural as a reception aperitif and for parties and other large gatherings. It’s a joy at a barbecue on a hot summer day.
Description: Off-dry, fresh, fruity, good acidity, aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries
Food matches: Party hors d’oeuvres, barbecued food (spicy, smoky), smoked fish, red-berry dessert, profiteroles
Price: $7 at budgetbottle.com (see winesearcher.com)*
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Parallèle 45 2008: Paul Jaboulet Aîné dates back to 1834, when the family was a grower and shipper in the Rhône Valley. It remains one of the best known Rhône names. In 2006 it was acquired by the Frey family, experienced winemakers in Champagne and Bordeaux.
The Parallèle 45 line is named for the location of the vineyards on the 45th North parallel near Jaboulet’s cellars. This wine is made of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah, typical southern France rosé grapes, from vines that are 25 years old. It’s especially delightful on a warm summer day. The red and white Parallèle 45s are also usually quite good.
Description: Dry, fresh, fruity, hearty, medium bodied, with floral, strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors
Food matches: Ceviche, summer salads, grilled vegetables, barbecued meats, pizza, chili, Asian dishes
Price: $8.33 at budgetbottle.com (see winesearcher.com)*
*Note: The website prices provide an idea of the lowest prices for these wines at winesearcher.com at the time of writing. I don’t endorse or recommend the particular online outlets, although I do recommend winesearcher.com.
©2010 Sharon Kapnick for SeniorWomen.com
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