Ah, the sweet anticipation of summer! The recent cold snap may have crushed my dreams of warmer days prematurely, but fear not, I believe we are finally crawling our way towards fairer weather and, most importantly, quaffable wines. Yes, my friends, the time has come to rejoice!
But before we dive into the delightful world of rosé, let’s take a brief stroll through its captivating history. You see, the most common method of crafting rosé, known as maceration (soaked), involves using those vibrant red grapes we all know and love. The winemakers carefully pluck those ripe red grapes from the vineyard, bring them into the winery, and lovingly crush them, releasing their precious juices into the world.
Here’s where the magic happens. The crushed red grapes are left to macerate for a limited time, allowing the grape skins to impart their influence on the juice. The result? The juice takes on a delicate pink hue, like a blushing ballerina gracefully twirling on your palate.
But let’s get down to business, shall we? Today, I present to you two exquisite French wines. But fear not, my fellow explorers of the vine, for in future posts, we shall embark on grand adventures through the realms of Spanish, Italian, and American rosés. My noble quest is to uncover the finest rosés one can acquire without emptying their coffers, seeking out treasures under $20. Of course, for those extra special occasions, I shall also reveal a few hidden gems that may venture slightly into the under $40 territory. Are you ready for this thrilling journey of taste and affordability?
So, my friends, gear up your taste buds and prepare for a delightful symphony of flavors. The sun is shining, the rosés are flowing, and the world is ripe with possibilities. Together, let us raise our glasses and toast to the glorious adventure that lies ahead. Cheers to summer and the beautiful rosés that shall grace our palates!
I’ve also included my tasting notes on a gorgeous bottle of Garnacha from Spain at the very bottom.
Salud!
Bobby
In Vino Veritas (In wine there is truth)