Cracklin’ Rosé

Ok, It’s March, it’s almost spring and I’m ready to drink some rosé.  I’m not sure why I stop drinking rosé in September.  It’s almost like not wearing white shoes after Labour Day but like that fashion faux pas, I’m thinking pink wine should be a year-round trend.

And for you guys that have issues with drinking pink wine, you can call it brosé while you dial up your therapist.  I’m here to tell you it’s ok so please get over your gender labelled colours! And guys don’t laugh cuz you know I’m right.

My rant is over….

Let’s talk about rosé

And keep in mind that one blog post on rosé is like trying to write one blog post on red wine. That’s not possible so I’ll try to give you the Cole’s Notes version for now.

I think a bit of history on winemaking is important here.  Historically, red wine was never the deep ruby and garnet pigments we know in present day.  Ancient winemaking techniques did not involve long maceration or strong pressing methods.  Lighter, more fruitier wines were more in style.  Hello pink wine.

Post WWII, a Portuguese wine maker, Fernando Van Zeller Guedes, decided to market a wine for the masses.  Legend says that the unique bottle was designed to resemble a WWI canteen.  By the 80’s, Mateus wine contributed 40% of Portuguese wine exports! Kind of reminds me of our iconic Baby Duck.

Another Pink wine worth mentioning is Sutter Home’s “White Zinfandel”. Ok, Wine 101, Zinfandel grapes are red.  Interesting how a mistake can make you a fortune. In 1975 the winemaker at Sutter Homes ended up with a “stuck fermentation” with his Zinfandel grapes. Not knowing what to do with the botched batch he set it aside for a few weeks only to realize that he had a sweet pink wine that was actually pretty good.

That’s it for the history lesson but I find it quite interesting that the 70’s and 80’s were all about pink wines.  And again, like our fashion, we realized the mistakes we made!!

But like any good History Professor will tell you, we study history to learn from our mistakes.

Hence our new and improved rosés of the 21 Century!

And we must thank the French for their choice of wine.  When we think of rosé, I think most would imagine Provence but, amazing wines can also be found in the Southern Rhone, Loire, and Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Another wine country worth looking at is Italy.  “Rosato” as it is known can be found from the North in Veneto all the way to the South Island of Sicily.  I have to admit that I don’t know much about Italian Rosato so stay tuned as I do some research!

To reiterate, I’m giving you the Cole’s Notes version.  There are a few different methods to produce rosé wine and no, mixing red wine with white wine is not one of them.  The most common way is to soak red grapes for 6-24 hours depending on the grape and the style of rosé the winemaker hopes to achieve.

The red varietal that is used varies depending on region, country and winemaker. In southern France it is common to see Grenache and Mourvedre and in Italy you can find Sangiovese, Corvina and Montepulciano to name a few.

And Taste…

We’re talking about dry, bright, crisp wines with a combination of acidity and fruit freshness.  Mind you, like all other wines, there are many stylistic differences, and I think a food pairing can be amazingly easy! With less tannins than a red wine and more depth than most whites, I personally think you can find a rosé wine for any meal.

Plus, Rosé are affordable (usually under $20) and no need to cellar so what are you waiting for!

Let’s talk next about Ontario Rosés.

This is my list of Ontario Rosés I found within a 10 km radius!  My criteria was not very scientific but luckily I found some great wines

Malivoire Wine Company/Ladybug – If you’re new to Rosés then run out and grab yourself the most popular Ontario Rosé there is.  A 2 minute drive from my place I happily place my order from the car.  Tammy was lovely and told me there are some years they completely are out of stock, it is that popular. A Blend of Cab Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir. Notes of strawberry and watermelon, yet dry with just the right amount of acidity, is a yummy choice any time of year.

Back 10 Cellars/Rose Coloured glasses- I’m sitting here humming that Blue Rodeo song and you’ll be humming it too because this wine reminds me of strawberries, cotton candy and unicorns. Ok, maybe not unicorns but the aroma is so lovely you’d swear you were in a candy shop.  But that’s where the sweetness stops.  This Gamay and Pinot Noir Blend is dry yet super refreshing.  Thing is you’ll either have to visit Beamsville or just get Andrew to send you a case! Great guy who makes great wines.

My next stop was Redstone Winery.  This winery is again minutes from my house and is our go to place in the hood. Not to mention that the staff is amazing and to top that off the Restaurant is to die for.  We ordered our Christmas dinner from here and I’m thinking that might be an annual tradition!  Back to the Rosé…..my husband said this was his favourite.  Made from Cab Franc, Merlot and Syrah this wine has the ripe red fruit and the boldness that could pair with anything you have on the bbq!

My next stop was Sobey’s and I’m quite impressed with their selection.  The LCBO had Ladybug and that was it!

Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery/Fancy Farm Girl Foxy Pink- Love how this place doesn’t take themselves too seriously.  Love the name.  They also changed things up by using Riesling grapes and Cab Franc.  Just a touch a sweetness but tartness reminds you of sour cherries or maybe cranberries, bright and refreshing.  Not sure if your local Sobey’s will carry it but it’s available at the LCBO and at the winery.

My last pick from the grocery store is Henry of Pelham Rosé. This has everything in it but the kitchen sink but it works. Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Zweigelt.  A beautiful pale pink with aromas of strawberry and roses.  Maybe this is the one to drink while your watching the “Bachelor”! Super smooth with the right amount of acidity to keep the fruitiness in toll.

There are so many other scrumptious rosés and I really think you should do some research and try them all!  Well maybe not all but grab a few and figure out what your go to Rosé will be for 2021.  And, YOU’RE WELCOME,  you won’t be disappointed.

And FYI “Cracklin’ Rosie” by Neil Diamond was about wine not a girl…….

Kitty Blooper

The Travelling Vines