Where to begin? Naturally we’ll start with rose, since that’s what I’m most inclined to take home right at the moment. I don’t know what it is, but as soon as it gets warm all I want is a good rose. And now it is H-O-T.

As you may recall from my late Spring post, fresh out of the gates, things were looking a bit unsettled in rose land; wines had not yet come into their own.

But now they are singING!

I’m still a huge fan of Chateau Larroque, the Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend I last wrote about. Contending alongside it for my everyday rose-sipping affections is… Le Fraghe “Rodon” Bardolino Chiaretto rose. Now here’s something equally unique (perhaps why there are so many apparent ‘names’ on the bottle). Bardolino by definition connotes a light styled Italian red, one you might chill. Ok, it’s hot outside. Tell me more! The grapes in this lively rose (not that you can tell from the label, ironically) are Rondinella and Corvina – two of the flagship varietals that make up the bold Veneto wine Valpolicella. The grapes see about 6 hours on the skin, giving it a dark rose/light light red wine color. The finished wine actually matures on the lees in stainless steel tanks. This process give it a richer texture but also a zesty punch. I love it for it’s uber-dry, quenching qualities – and the fact that there is a surprising, but welcome bit of spice on the finish! I think it is that little extra kick that sets it apart from other roses (particularly the kind I typically gravitate towards, those from Provence).

It’s definitely been a fun summer so far! If you want to spend a few extra bones and can get your hands on any, keep an eye out for another vierdo rose – one from County Line in Anderson Valley. This bold wine is a 100% Pinot Noir offering.

What are you drinking at the moment?

You know from previous posts of mine on the topic that rose is that special pink wine that is irrefutably dry. It is also something that is released early each Spring in order to be served fresh off the presses, if you will, and keep us refreshed during the warm months of the year. There is great anticipation each year when ‘rose season’ will begin, a sort of unofficial statement of warmer days to come.

For better or worse – not enough data points are in yet to be sure – the last few years we’ve noticed a trend whereby producers, importers and wholesalers seem to be in ka-hoots (sp?) to get the first jump on rose season. Last year’s (2009) roses from France (Provence being the most famous production area) offered a crisp punch, a happy marriage of minerality and ample fruit, which seemed in never-ending supply. We were grateful. Just the way we like it!

This year’s batch, the 2010′s, seem a bit lackluster as yet. They aren’t bad wines by any stretch of the imagination. But coming on the heels of such a lovely 2009 vintage, it’s hard to get as excited at the moment. We can’t help wonder if our experience thus far with Provencial rose (the main disappointment) is that the wines are being released TOO early. It’s possible the wines just need to settle in, get acclimated and integrated, to really deliver. But we won’t know just yet.

In the meantime, if  like me you are happy for the warmer days and want to scratch the rose itch, I recommend giving Provence a little time and trying other areas. Right now I’m digging a terrific rose from Bordeaux (you almost never see rose coming from this appellation) that is a blend of two ‘bigger’ grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; it is from Chateau Larroque. Next up is a new arrival VERY few were lucky to get their hands on this year. It is a rose of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley’s Anne Amie made in the saignee method and aged ever so briefly in wood, which gives it a richer mouthfeel. Massachusetts was the only state outside of Oregon to get an ever-so-small allocation of 15 cases. Grab a couple of bottles now to get you over the Provencial hump!

Are you ready for rose season? Found any new favorites?

See which winery was my host and what my taste-buds told me over at Wicked Local today!

Have you enjoyed any great Tavel rosé yet this year?

Next up, if you don’t yet know what are some great options for pairing wine with fish – or are looking for at least one new idea – check out this piece.

Last but not least, if you enjoy a good laugh with your wine, go here for Dr. Vino’s recent “sipped or spit” piece. For me this occasional Vino post theme is a lovely, not so guilty, pleasure!

This year we’re off to a much better start – and the 2009 roses are starting to come in! Pop on over to Wicked Local to get a refresher course on these lovely wines and a few recommendations to kick off your 2010 rose travels.

Will wine have a place at your Easter table this year? What will you uncork?

Pop over to Wicked Local to see what I’m so excited about…

Which wine get credit as your first “Ah-Ha” rose moment?

Head over to Wicked Local to find out where the fun begins this Thanksgiving!

Which one of these selections most catches your attention? Will it contribute to your festivities this Thanksgiving?

Westport Rivers Winery

Other folks in and around Massachusetts haven’t been able to do what Westport Rivers has achieved even since then because of two reasons, as far as I can tell. First, they have a truly coastal,  cool climate location.  Second, their wines have a sense of place; each wine represents a unique terroir, (so much so that universities have trekked down yonder to take soil sample after soil sample, run tests, and discovered which myriad soils are present on their 140 or so acres. This research has helped the proprietors plant different varietals in specific soil types). Westport Rivers wines exhibit a uniquely satisfying old-world sensibility, with new world panache.

Maybe one day Westport Rivers will be able to solely produce their exceptional sparkling wines. In the meantime, interested sippers can also bring home their well-balanced Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Rkatsiteli among the whites, as well as Pinot Noir rose for the reds or Pineau de Pinot as a dessert wine/aperitif.

The one to catch my particular fancy this season is their rose of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is one of my absolute favorite varietals – and I hold out every year waiting for the best possible expression of it as a rose. This year Westport Rivers delivered the goods. The nose is quiet, exhibiting just a hint of baby roses, smoke and cherry fruit. The palate delivers a crisply satisfying, dry, light package of cherry and strawberry fruit; a unique, almost saline minerality quenches your thirst – and soon enough you’ve put quite a dent in the bottle!

In next few and last (sadly) weeks of summer, seek out rose with great gusto. You’ll probably find a few deals on the market – and if you’re lucky, you’ll be revived with a splash of ocean air and memories of cold-box red and berry fruits. Yum.

Which Westport Rivers wines are your favorites?

She couldn’t get enough and had popped into the shop to see if we stocked it. We don’t, as it turns out, but I happily chatted with her about the wonderful world of rose and helped her choose another. I was pleased she had already learned a lot from her one jaunt with the stuff (and no doubt at the tutelage of Mr. Boyton):  no matter if everyone at your table is enjoying different cuisine, it pairs wonderfully; it is lively and refreshing on a hot day; it is NOT sweet; and it is a terrific way to spice up an otherwise non-celebratory night out.

Tra-la! Pop on over to Wicked Local today to learn a bit more about this DRY wine and how to find one to suit your palate. I focus on my favorite style (French) providing but a general overview of one is likely to encounter, but there really is something for everyone on the market. That’s part of its magic.

Which rose is your favorite this summer?