We're at the height of summer, and peak rosé time! Here's some of our new arrivals for the season...
Corzano e Paterno Toscana Rosato 'Il Corzanello' 2018 Always one of our faves, and always limited in availability, we're excited for our first taste of the 2018 tomorrow. This wine comes from Chianti, so it's no surprise that it is composed of 100% Sangiovese grapes. Corzano e Paterno is one of the finest producers of Chianti outside the Classico and Rufina zones (where one should typically look for the good stuff). They also grow olives and tend sheep (for cheese), but seventeen hectares of vines are planted on the best sites of the estate (they grow Petit Manseng! you gotta try their white wine). Certified organic agriculture and hands-off winemaking ensure what's in the bottle is as pure an expression of their land as one could ask for. On the pale and subtle side of the pink wine spectrum, their rosato is an excellent alternative to fine Provence rosé. Can't wait until tomorrow? We have some chilling in the fridge right now. Iconic Wines 'Secret Identity' 2018 - $17 As opposed to the wine above, this could not be described as "terroir driven". It is a rather wacky blend (Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Zinfandel and Syrah) from sustainably farmed vineyards in the Sierra Foothills and Lodi. The name, Secret Identity, refers to the winery's desire to make fine dry rosé without being bound by ideas about what the style "should" be. The focus here is on balance, rather than tradition, varietal characteristics, or a sense of place. We're all about the importance of cru, but we'll take fun and delicious as well. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees for 8 months, it is juicy but crisp, finishing dry with lots of fresh fruity flavors.
Domaine de Bagnol Cassis Rosé 2018
We're spoiling you (and ourselves) tomorrow with this delight. Cassis is an idyllic little port on the western extreme of the French Riviera. Perhaps best know for its calanques, famously spectacular rocky formations, Cassis is also home to a very (very) small amount of vineyard land. You don't see the wines often, and they're usually white, so we are absolutely psyched to have this pink version open for you tomorrow. Domaine du Bagnol is one of the names to look out for when it comes to Cassis (Clos Sainte Magdeleine as well). Situated right on the coast, only 200 meters away, the vineyards of Domaine du Bagnol benefit from the sea breeze, as well as the infamous northern winds that whip through the south of France (Tramontane, Mistral, Gregale). Privileged terroir, certified organic farming, low yields, and careful winemaking result in one of France's finest pink wines. Every year we get a very small amount of this rosé, but we have yet to try the 2018. We expect great vibrancy, with notes of fresh stone fruits, diverse herbs, maybe some subtle flowers, but certainly a dry and distinctly saline finish. Not to be missed, you don't get to taste Cassis very often (or maybe you do, let's be friends).
Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde Rosé 'Dom Diogo' Padeiro 2018
Staying true to what many expect from Vinho Verde, this delightful sprite has a touch of effervescence and sweetness. Do we not also expect Vinho Verde (literally green wine) to be white? So what's up with this pink stuff? Vinho Verde can be white, pink or red; it just depends on the grape varieties used and the techniques employed to vinify them. Quinta da Raza takes the red Padeiro grape (aka Tinta Cao) and starts off as if they were making a red wine, macerating juice and skins together, but stops maceration when the color is a deep reddish pink. A little less sweet than last year's rendition, it is as fresh, fruity and gulpable as ever. Raza rosé tends to be a bottle that drains quickly; you may need to hide it at a party... or just bring two.