Thanks to all my Popping Your Cork Students for a terrific Rosé class last night!
Here’s what we tasted and how Chef Laura paired them:
NV Domaine Joseph Cattin Crémant D’Alsace Rosé
2011 Kavaklidere Egeo Roze from Turkey with shrimp salad with herbed olive oil
2012 Domaine Houchart Côtes De Provence Rosé
2012 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado with a wine-braised chorizo
And a presentation Rosé friendly snacks including Spanish style spiced almonds, olives, and Comté cheese with regular and gluten free crackers.
My personal favorite pairing of the evening was the Spanish Rosado and the wine-braised chorizo. The spicy chorizo was tempered by the bold red fruited Rosado that really gave both wine and food and extra level. Yummers!
We even threw in for comparison the original White Zinfandel from Sutter Home. And although it might not have been the favorite wines of the night, we could all appreciate the breadth that rosé has to offer.
I think all had a good time and enjoyed the taste of Spring! Let’s do it again soon!
And I learned a new grape, Trepat, which is an indigenous grape to Spain that is mostly used in roses, and as part of this blend, added a lovely dimension. Great value at about $15 per bottle!
The Ventoux region in the Southern Rhone of of France is known for their rose blends of grenache, syrah, cinsault and carignan. This one is a great value (under $15) for the last day of summer. Light, dry, hints of strawberry, great with grilled chix kabobs!
We also enjoyed the ship’s wine list as well, and their pricing wasn’t too bad…especially if you get it off of the 30% off list. These wines were being phased out of the main list for whatever reason (vintage, supply issues, etc.)
Worked for us!
I have always been a big fan of Gosset, the oldest Champagne House in Ay, for their classic style and great bready, yeasty nose and palate. I had never had a chance to try the rose, and it did not disappoint.
Almost a peachy golden color, I thought it might have stone fruit qualities. On the nose it was so dry, toasty, not really any fruit whiffs. On the palate it had a lovely acidity that was mouthwatering. I savored this one.
Love this light peachy pinky colored California Rose. Made with the same grapes and method as the famous stuff from France, but with a little time of skin contact for the Pinot Noir. This was dry, light, easy and great with the sunset. I got this off the wine ships wine list, and was pleased to see that it wasn’t outrageously priced, even reasonable.
Castellroig Ull de Llebre (also known as tempranillo) Rosat from Spain really hits the spot on a summer day. This is a rose wine for red wine drinkers, it even tastes like tempranillo with a bit of dark fruit and a touch of tannin that gives this dry rose a punch. Made in Penedes, which is well known for their sparkling Cava, this still rosat really gave me pause to check to see if I could get more.
Available from VinoVersity on the Upper East Side.
