The Spirited Gourmet 2010 Rosé Selections

Buy any 6 Rosés and receive 20% off.

Coturri 2009 North Coast Rosé (California) ORGANIC - $23.99
This barrel-fermented Rose is full-bodied and great with anything off your grill. Chill this one real cold, but have no fear if you don’t finish it in one sitting – It will stay fresh for two days afterward! All components, co-fermented - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Barbera, etc. – have their time in the spotlight. This is one serious Rosé. Winemaker Tony Coturri is one of the most recognizable faces for organic winemaking in California.

Pares Balta 2009 Ros de Pacs
(Penedès, Spain) ORGANIC - $14.99
This delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot has a delicate nose with notes of raspberries, cherries and a hint of balsamic. In the mouth it is light and fresh. It’s got a helluva lot o’ fruit, but there’s some great balance between the sugar and acidity. Another one of my favorites this year! – Nick

Domaine Collotte 2009 Marsannay Rosé
(Burgundy, France) - $19.99
It was at the 2005 Grand Jours de Bourgogne. Importer Peter Weygandt was looking for excellent Burgundies at equally excellent value. Marsannay came to mind as a good candidate, but aside from a couple of well-known producers, he was disappointed in the quality of many. That is until he came upon Philippe Collotte; A tall, quiet man, looking a bit like Gary Cooper, but with a lot of passion to make superb wines just waiting to be unleashed. As soon as the Pinot grapes arrive at the winery, they are pressed, followed by "débourbage", fermentation and "élevage" in stainless steel (élevage reserved for wines that will be drunk young) in order to keep all the fruit of this wine and preserve its freshness and youth. This Marsannay Rosé is soft and fruity, and backed with good strength and liveliness. The aroma evokes peach and a recently crushed harvest. It’s rare you find Burgundy rosé on the U.S. market, let alone for this stellar price!

Manoir de la Tete NV “Tête à Claques” Sparkling Rosé (Saumur, Loire, France) - $17.99
BIOYDYNAMIC
Manoir de la Tete Rouge was built in 1649 at the foot of the majestic Puy Notre Dame hill. Purchased in 1995 by Guillaume Reynouard, the 32 acre vineyard boasts the best clayish limestone of the Saumur terroirs. In 1998, Guillaume decided to “stop polluting the ground” as he so eloquently puts it. He decided that the only way to go forward was organic. Nowadays, the vineyard yields (17hl/acre) have been stabilized and the soils are richer than ever. Plants and insects, killed by chemicals, came back and are now contributing to the equilibrium of the terroir, thanks to the grass patches growing along the vine rows which are home to many species.  This semi-sparkling, semi-dry rosé is a traditional blending of red and white grapes: 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Chenin Blanc and 10% Chardonnay. This is a very refreshing wine packed with fresh red fruit, minerality and bubbles. Pair with any food you want! EXTREMELY VERSATILE!!!

Massa Vecchia 2006 Rosato
(Maremma, Tuscany, Italy) - $49.99
Fabrizio Niccolaini runs Massa Vecchia, a very small winery which is just 8.6 acres. The estate is run biodynamically. This "Rosato" is very different from other rosés. The color is a deep red and not the usual pink that you would expect. (According to Fabrizio, the wine is made using a rosé method, but that's it). The wine is made from 60% Merlot and 40% Malvasia Nera. It is also aged in chestnut barrels rather than oak, giving it a different taste. This is a wine you should let and breathe for a bit as it has a rather funky nose initially, but mellows out with time showing an appealing mélange of dark fruit flavors, some earthiness and a touch of minerality. This is some serious stuff that should be brought out for a special occasion.

Viña Salamanca 2008 Rufete Rosato
(Castilla y Leon, Spain) - $13.99
"Lurid pink color. A complex bouquet displays scents of musky red berries, herbs, anise and flowers. Light-bodied, juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors are enlivened by notes of talc and orange peel. Clings nicely on the finish, repeating the red berry and floral notes." 89 Points! -Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Incredible description aside, this has become my house Rosé for the summer and nothing – so far – has seemed to usurp it! – Nick.

Lopez de Heredia 1998 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Rosé (Rioja, Spain) - $29.99
Little has changed about Lopez de Heredia in the 125 years since its founding. The family adheres to a winemaking doctrine blueprinted in the 1880's to make wine from their own vineyards, using natural yeasts, long aging in wood, and no filtration at bottling. This is a rare example of Rioja's classical wine tradition - and a bargain for its age, quality and rarity. Made from a blend of 60% Garnacho, 20% Tempranillo and 20% Viura, this rosado has an onion skin color almost becoming tawny. The aromas are fresh and persistent and the palate has a creamy complexity due to the barrel aging. It goes very well with spicy food such as Mexican and Indian and is perfect with cold meats and Spanish sausages.

Bodegas Carrau 2008 Tannat Rosé Saignée (Las Violetas & Cerro Chapeu, Uruguay) - $14.99
This Tannat Rosé showcases a deep cherry-pink color with red tinges and an intense bouquet of cherries and raspberries. There are notes of tropical fruits in the nose which are typical of the Tannat variety. The palate is dry and lively with a long, lingering aftertaste. It’s wonderful chilled, and of course, ideal to serve with all kinds of foods like salads, pasta, seafood and red meats.

G’aia 2009 ’14-18h’ Agiorgitiko Rosé
(Nemea, Greece) - $16.99
Also called 'St. George' due to the town it originates from, the Agiorgitiko is a light and lively grape grown almost exclusively in Greece. As a red wine, Agiorgitiko can exhibit aromas and flavors of red and black currants and exotic spices. This rosé displays an intense rose color, a fruity aroma which is dominated by the flavors of cherry and gooseberry – both of which are typical of Agiorgitiko grapes that grow on these highlands – and lastly, a cool refreshing taste. Antipasto or… Greek salads will work.

Chateau La Moutete 2009 Cotes de Provence Rosé (Provence, France) - $13.99
This Provencal blend - 35% Grenache, 45% Cabnernet Sauvignon and Cinsault, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah - gets the taste buds going here. The sun-baked slopes of Provence have given us a deliciously dry rose with both nuance and strength. Strawberry and raspberry aromas meet peach, apricot and orange zest on the ample palate. This wine was born for roast chicken and crisp greens. Make the most of the summer and show your friends what real rosé is all about!

Moulin de Gassac 2009 Le Mazet Rosé
(France) - $8.99
Moulin de Gassac is highly regarded as one of the best producers in the Languedoc; primarily known for their age-worthy whites and reds. The “Le Mazet” line was created for wine drinkers to enjoy as an everyday thing. This rosé is soft, refreshing and crisp. It will make your wallet and mouth happy!

Senorio de Sarra 2009 Navarra Rosé
(Navarra, Spain) - $9.99
Really refreshing rosé! Lots of glorious Grenache fruit with enough acidity to keep it zippy. Navarra is famous for this kind of rosado:– serious enough to show terroir, but above all tons of fun to drink.

Kluge Estate 2009 Albemarle Rosé (Albemarle, Virginia, USA) - $14.99
This blended dry rosé wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the natural freshness as well as to give a fuller body. Aging on fine lees adds complexity, producing a wine similar to premium light claret from Bordeaux. It’s a vibrant, bright pink, with flavors as sweet as its appearance. The round, crisp wine offers flavor reminiscent of sweet candy and cherries, delivering excitement more than just simple fruit. The nose is complex and floral with an essence of candied rose petal and fresh, peach hints. This will pair with most dishes including Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. It is also ideal for vegetarian meals. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec.

La Scolca 2008 ‘Rosa Chiara’ Rosato
(Piedmont, Italy) - $15.99
This pleasant, dry rosé is comprised of 90% Cortese (the famous white grape of Gavi) and 10% Pinot Noir. It’s a helluva value as indicated by Josh Raynolds of The International Wine Cellar -- "Pale orange-pink color. Melon, peach skin and red berries on the nose. Pliant, light-bodied strawberry and honeydew flavors are firmed by dusty minerals and given a sweet touch by a note of candied pear. Finishes with good cling and a lingering melon note." -- 88 points

Clos St. Thomas 2008 Les Gourmet Rosé (Bekaa Valley, Lebanon) - $13.99
This is yet another stunning showing from the Lebanese producer, Clos St. Thomas! Each varietal adds a certain characteristic to this rose. Cinsault provides a rich smoothness making this rose accessible to most palates and tastes. Grenache brings a lovely tart strawberry flavor and Carignan gives this rose just a hint of spice and freshness. Serve chilled on a warm spring/summer evening with salads, appetizers, spicy Asian cuisine or simply on its own. Enjoy!

Belle Pente 2007 Rosé Cuvée Contraire (Willamette Valley, Oregon) - $23.99
From the biodynamic winery of Belle Pente comes this Bourgogne “Passetoutgrain” inspired rosé. This blend of approximately 75% Gamay and 25% Pinot Noir is a perennial favorite, and this 2007 version is one of the best yet! This is a remarkably versatile wine. Try it with traditional holiday fare, or use it to solve the meal time conundrum of trying to decide between a red and a white.

Moillard 2009 Cotes du Rhone “Les Violettes” Rosé (Rhone, France) - $12.99
The 2008 flew out of the store last year, so we’re stocked to the hilt this year! Made from a traditional Rhone blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah, this delicious organic rosé has a round, juicy, creamy texture and pleasant strawberry, rose, dried cherry and mineral notes. With a long and refreshing, lip-smacking finish this will be your pink of the summer!

Fondo Antico 2009 Rosato Aprile
(Sicily, Italy) - $10.99
This is a wonderful union between a fruity bouquet of black grapes and the vivacity of white wine vinification. Aged in stainless steel, this Rosato displays a nose of pomegranate and flowers and can be used as an aperitif or with foods such as shellfish or light salads.

Domaine de la Petit Mairie 2009 Bourgueil Rosé (Loire Valley, France) - $19.99
This is a marvelous rendition of Cabernet Franc, here in its incarnation as a Bourgueil Rosé produced by James Petit. This is a graceful and dignified wine with lots of class. This should prove to be a particularly fine reason to pay attention to an underappreciated appellation that offers stunning value. Juicy, with flavors of strawberries and cherries, this delicate rosé will work with any dish with similar delicate properties.

La Valentina 2009 Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
(Abruzzo, Italy) - $11.99
This rosé displays a pink color with bright cherry hues; fresh, typical floral aromas with hints of raspberries pomegranate and bon bon. The palate is dry and fruity with black and red cherry notes and a typical light hint of almonds in the finish, harmoniously combined in a refreshing but firm structure which finishes with verve and class. This traditionally produced wine expresses the strength and full body of Montepulciano on one hand and its freshness and aromas on the other. Serve with cured meats, pizza and pasta with fresh tomato sauce.

Domaine de Chermette Beaujolais Rosé ‘Les Griottes’ (Beaujolais, France) - $17.99
This is a unique Gamay rosé from one of Beaujolais’ top producers of pure, aromatic, flavorful rosé. Pierre Chermette’s yields are so low and the grapes so naturally ripe that he does not chaptalize. He uses only indigenous yeasts (no "banana yeast" culture, a la Duboeuf). Then a traditional, longer fermentation, aging in oak foudre and bottling with no filtration, and without adding any sulfites, in most vintages. It is as natural a Beaujolais as one could have had in a café in Lyon in the 40’s.

Villa Wolf 2009 Rosé de Pinot Noir
(Pfalz, Germany) - $10.99
The Pfalz is a very warm and sunny region for the pinot noir to ripen in. It is light and refreshing with deliciously bright berry and fruit flavors and a clear, zippy finish. This rosé is perfect for all year round! Try Asian salads, prosciutto and melon, sandwiches and BBQ.

Edmunds St. John 2009 “Bone-Jolly” Gamay Noir Rosé (El Dorado County, California) - $17.99
A pretty, vibrant pink-red, with an edge of blue. It's got a fresh, bright nose, slightly grapey. You might smell wild strawberry, a little woodsmoke, a little pepper. Nervous and wild in the mouth, with great focus, and electric tension between sweetness of fruit and snappy acidity. Juicy, and long. THIS IS ONE OF OUR TOP 5 USA ROSÉS EVER!!!!!

Chateau de La Bonneliere 2009 Chinon Rosé ‘Rive Gauche’ (Loire Valley, France) - $15.99
Chateau de La Bonneliere is a beautiful family estate founded in 1846. The proprietor in the current generation is Marc Plouzeau who took over the estate in 1988. In 1999 Marc began the conversion to biodynamic agriculture and the vineyards are now certified biodynamic. Low yields, predominantly hand harvested at ideal ripeness, coupled with winemaking that accents fruit flavors and minimizes tannins are the hallmarks of this winery. This rosé – 100% Cabernet Franc - is produced from the flinty clay soils of the Chinon plains and is characterized by its delectable bouquet of blackberry married with raspberry and licorice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky with harmonious balance and lingering finish.

Chateau Pradeaux 2008 Bandol Rosé
(Bandol, France) - $31.99
The Chateau Pradeaux is situated on the outskirts of the town of St. Cyr Sur Mer which lies directly on the Mediterranean Ocean between Toulon and Marseilles. The estate is owned by the Portalis family which has owned this property since before the French Revolution. The wine is full of herbs, raspberry and cherry flavors with a lot of density. While enjoyable now, it would improve in 2-3 years. Try Provencal dishes and seafood.

Weingut Hofer 2009 Zweigelt Rosé (Niederösterreich, Austria) - $18.99
From this certified bio-dynamic estate comes this wonderful rose expression of the famous Zweigelt grape. With sour cherry and rhubarb, it offers tart, thirst-quenching refreshment, with invigorating seasoning of cress, salt, and white pepper. Try a greek salad, pork chops and cold- cut sandwiches.

Alois Lageder 2009 Lagrein Rosé
(Alto Adige, Italy) - $16.99
Matt Kramer of The Wine Spectator says this is "one of the most intriguing rose wines you will find!" It's got a pronounced, fruity aroma (red berries) with floral impressions (violet) that emerge from the glass. It's medium bodied with juicy acidity on the palate and luscious fruit. Like most roses, this will pair with a variety of foods including grilled freshwater fish, salads, paélla and bean burgers.

Jelu Malbec 2009 Rosé
(Mendoza, Argentina) - $13.99
We’ve yet to come across any other Argentine winery that offers the value that Jelu does. Spicy, rich, dark, luscious, seductive and a mouthful. You've got to try this for yourself. This wine has bright fresh pink color. Lifted aromas of red cherries and a light, perfectly balanced palate offering a delightful drink. Pair with richer, heavier dishes like burritos and steak!

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