Rose wines to try – It smells like garrigue, the beach and summer vacations in France. This gulp of sensations came to mind when I opened the Beatines 2018 on a Sunday afternoon. The power of wine is that it can take you to places and make you dream and forget about the reality for a little while.
When thinking of vacations, Italian and French roses come to mind. Actually, it is more of a cultural custom. For instance, My nonno used to tell me that Italian Abruzzese drink Cerasuolo on warm summer days and evenings. Cerasuolo means cherry in Italian, and Cerasulo d’Abruzzo is almost garnet color that distinguishes them from pale, Provencal-style roses that dominate the American market. They are made from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the grape that comprises some 80 percent of DOC wine production in Abruzzo, a region two hours east of Rome
If you have ever been to Pescara or L’Aquila during the summer months, you know what the locals are drinking with Ceraasuolo. From savoury morsels or arrosticini to scampi pasta, the versatility of the Italian rose is impressive. I just can’t wait to go back to Abruzzo after the pandemic passes.
My exposure to French rose started in my early twenties. I used to drink massive amounts of Rhone and Provence rose with my Parisian roommate in my Cote des Neiges apartment. In the summer times, there used to be chilled bottles of Petales de Rose and Listel with succulent BBQ Merguez sausages. Those times, I get nostalgic just thinking about them.
As I wont be travelling soon to Europe this summer, my consolation will be to drink beautiful roses in my back patio. Here are three recommendations of Rose wines to try:
Les Beatines Coteaux d’Aix en Provence rose 2019 – SAQ # 11232261 $21.10
Aromas of white lilacs, grapefruit with touches of melon, red berries and lavender. On the palate, very refined and elegant. Crisp and very floral, quite stylish finale. Very long finale reminiscent of the provencal garrigue.
Buti Nages Rose 2019 IGP Gard – SAQ #427625 $14.95
The best French rose at the SAQ under $15. Pretty aromas of lavender, cantaloupe with touches of violets and lavender. Refreshing and quite crisp. Quite delicate with a lovely lingering finale.
Le Cince Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Superiore 2018.
Private Import ( Rezin, $37.60. 6 pack case)
Lovely aromas of amarena cherry with nuances of red peaches and subtle earthy floral notes that bring to mind baked terracotta. Medium to full body. Crisp, yet seriously structured. Reflecting the regional style.
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