OUR SEASONAL PINK SAMPLER, HERE IS SUMMER UNDER GLASS!
Unico Zelo 2021 Tropo Pink Petnat The folks at Unico Zelo pieced together a lovely blush blend of Adelaide Hills Aussie Chardonnay, Skinsy Pinot Gris and a tiny dose of Merlot to make the most refreshing bubbly boy in the game. Spring strawberries, pickled cherries, red currants, ripe pear and creaming soda all at once. A lovely dry, saline finish to boot – this will fill our recycling bins the rest of the summer, and probably through winter too!
Domaine de Thulon 2021 Beaujolais-Villages Rosé This farm is located on the old estate of Château de Thulon (15th century) and was purchased by Annie and René Jambon in 1987 after they were “métayers” for 20 years there. Their children Carine and Laurent are now running the estate, and a passion for experimentation sets them apart from peers in the region. These are some of the best values in French wine we’ve come across in the last decade. Approach this like Sam at our College Ave store and enjoy this with tandoori spiced cauliflower with tzatziki.
Domaine Gerard Fiou 2021 Sancerre Rosé Domaine Gerard Fiou is a tiny (one vineyard) family estate which is operated by our young friend Florent Bourgeois. You know Fiou as our source for 100% Silex Sancerre. What does Pinot Noir grown on Silex smell and taste like you ask? Raspberries and rocks! Do yourself a favor and age a bottle of this for two years – It is a pink wine that continues to evolve with time.
Le Cocagne 2021 Rosé Coming from the Côteaux du Vendemôis, Le Cocagne is made by a collective of grape growers from the Loire Valley. Crafted from an obscure French varietal called pineau d’aunis, it flies under the radar for many wine lovers. We fell madly in love with it waaaay back in 2009 and have been buying it ever since. Yearly production is modest, so we do not have this wine in stock year-round. Once it sells out, we must wait for the next vintage. The 2021 Lieu-dit Cocagne Coteaux du Vendômois Rosé has aromas of spicy red followed by a palate that abounds with ripe strawberries and red currants entwined with hints of pink grapefruit, baking spice, and white pepper. Vibrant acidity brings it all into balance and keeps it refreshing and light on its feet.
Domaine Santa Giulietta 2021 Vin de Corse Rosé Domaine Santa Giulietta has been part of the Stefani family for many generations. Their 75 hectare domain is situated on top of the Pianiccia plateau, in the Tallone region of the Eastern plain of Corsica. The vineyards are composed mostly of red clay soils, with perfect sun exposure for maximum maturity of the vines. Additionally the vines also benefit from hot and windy days in the summer with cool nights thanks to their proximity to the island’s mountains. Average age of the vines is 20 years. Rosé is a tradition in Corsica and at Santa Giulietta their Rosé comprises 70% of their total production making it a focus for the winery. Lively, with bright jicama and white cherry notes leading off, backed by a tingle of herb through the energetic finish.
Vignerons de Saumur 2021 “Les Pouches” Rosé In 1957, around forty winegrowers grouped together to establish this impressive cooperative set on the top of a hill in the village of Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg. Their Saumur Blanc “Les Pouches” has become an important staple for us here, and their various single vineyard Cabernet Franc driven cuvees are nothing short of astonishing for the price. This 100% Cab Franc rose is a product of extended lees contact that produces an aromatic and textured rose. Seducing nose with red ripe fruit aromas (strawberry) as well as hints of crystallized fruit and violets. Full-bodied and vinous on the palate, with plenty of fruity flavors.
La Coste 2021 Rosé d’une Nuit La Coste is a winery, art center, and resort in Southern France, about 20 kilometers north of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence. Covering some 200 hectares, the estate boasts a wine-making tradition dating back to Roman times, in a remarkable setting featuring vineyards, cypresses, stone pines, olive trees, and oaks. The estate we see today originated in 2003 when Irish art collector and real-estate entrepreneur Patrick McKillen bought the property, converting it into a center dedicated to “Wine, Art, and Architecture.” This is a delicious, thirst quenching rose – yet delicate and elegant. Pale in color, it is light, crisp and zesty, offering flavors of citrus, pink grapefruit, peach and raspberry with a long and refreshing finish.
La Coste 2019 Château Rosé Another gem from La Coste, with more Grenache in the blend composed of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Cinsault from the 208ha vineyard surrounding this beautiful luxury complex. The vines are planted over a mix of limestone and clay soils, giving the grapes their depth and tension. Good weight and structure – quite a serious rosé with lots of intense, wild red berry fruit, a few black berries, mineral core and firm phenolic finish. A lovely, serious, gastronomic rosé.
Domaine Clos Lumières 2021 Côtes du Rhône Rosé Domaine le Clos des Lumières is a 50-hectare, family farm founded in 1946 by the grandfather of the domaine’s current vigneron, Gerald Serrano. The ambitious and talented Gerald Serrano is solely responsible for the recent “coming out” of this estate – Prior to taking things over in 2003 Gerald’s father was selling all grapes on the estate to the local cooperative. This is a perennial rosé value over here – Superb balance and gorgeous texture.
Domaine Pélaquié 2021 Côtes du Rhône Rosé The Pélaquié family has been cultivating vines on the same Southern Rhone parcel since the mid-1500’s. Each generation has protected this cultural legacy with love, keeping the familial footprint intact via some of the most elegant wines you’ll find in Lirac, Tavel, and Laudun. The estate is 95 hectares in total, and stylistically these are what you’d call “classic.” This rose is coming from a direct pressing of Grenache and Cinsault, and is a classic Côtes du Rhône rosé, remarkably fresh and light, ideal as an aperitif.
Domaine Pélaquié 2021 Tavel Rosé Tavel Rosé in a mixed pack? We are here to please! Yes, Tavel, the appellation sitting across the river from Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the most prestigious appellation in the world for dark, deep, ageworthy rosé. Domaine Pelaquie has emerged as a leading producer in this zone, with organic farming practices and an enviable swath of old Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre vines. The 2018 has (as expected) an intense color with brilliant reflections. The bouquet is complex, floral and also fruity. It is rich in mouth with notes of crushed stone, raspberry, and strawberry and offers a long fruity finish with the firm tannic backbone we look for in Tavel. A stunning accompaniment for grilled deepwater fish.
Bodegas Sierra Norte 2021 “Ananto” Rosado The Bobal grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards grown in a balanced, caring and sustainable way. The vineyards’ soils carry great importance, being very active with good biological conditions that favor a fast assimilation of reincorporated organic matter. This enables full terroir expression. This wine is fruity and intense on the nose with floral, strawberry, and pomegranate aromas. Fresh on the palate with pleasant flavors. Very well structured, crisp and delicious!
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