Fall! I am in my element this time of year. The sun is shining, temps are perfect, the humidity is breaking and the bugs are gone. My running game is on point. Football season is imminent. And my Cubbies- once Lovable Losers- are now perennial contenders. I absolutely revel in September and October.
But every year when it starts cooling down, everyone starts talking about zinfandel, bold Spanish reds, Rhone blends. Not me. I’m still drinking and recommending rosé. I will all fall and winter, too. Here’s why:
1. Rosé is freaking delicious.
The best ones smell and taste like berries, watermelon, peaches, citrus, and sweet strawberry candy . The more sophisticated styles from Southern France also hint at rose petals and minerality. They are dry (very little to no residual sugar) but fruity and accessible, and so darn refreshing. It’s like drinking sunshine while lounging in a hammock in a flower garden.
2. Rosé is simple.
These wines need no accompaniment or explanation. It is great with food (as illustrated below), but not dependent on it. And while some are more expensive and special than others, most bottles are affordable and readily quaffable. Don’t decant it, don’t worry about the legs or longevity; just pop, pour, and enjoy.
3. Rosé goes with everything.
Seafood- flakier white fish, mussels, shrimp, scallops, tuna
Cheese- aged cheddar, goat’s milk, feta,
Pizza and pasta (high acidity wines are the best with tomatoes)
Fruit- berries, apples, pears, peaches, melon
Salads- spinach with dried cranberries, mixed greems with poached pears with walnuts
Poultry- chicken, duck, turkey (no brainer for Thanksgiving)
Spicy- Thai, Mexican, Indian, sushi
Tailgating fare- Chili, barbeque, chips and salsa, burgers, brats, dogs, doritos (totally serious)
Tuesday night supper- mom’s meatloaf, chicken pot pie, spaghetti and meatballs, grilled cheese. ANYTHING.
The only food category that’s not ideal for rose is sweets. So save dessert for fortified or fizz. Otherwise go nuts.
4. Everyone likes it.
Your sister, your mom, your cousins. Your grandmother who never drinks will consume at least three glasses at your Labor Day party. And don’t forget your twenty-something kids. Millennials are drinking more rosé now than Riesling. Sure, fruity pink wine is a little girly; but don’t let your burly neighbor with the Harley tatt fool you. He likes it too.
So, stop talking about ‘the end of rosé season.” Would you limit yourself to a single season indulging in chocolate cake? I think not.
Here are some of my favorite 2016’s:
Cepa 21 Hito (tempranillo)
Dupueble Beaujolais (gamay)
Anne Amie (pinot noir)
Mas Donis (grenache blend)
Lange Twins (sangiovese)
Domaine Leliervre Gris de Toul (gamay and pinot noir)