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Ah, the merry month of May is upon us, with outdoor events and more reasons for parties than you can shake a swizzle stick at. Unique to us in Delaware, our Point-to-Point is one of the year’s most celebrated events. There’s the Kentucky Derby (Run for the Roses!), Mother’s Day, weddings, graduations, communions… the list goes on. Wine is not only a great gift to bring to these events, but should be an essential part of any celebration… and what better wine this month than rosé?
May is typically the release date for last year’s vintage of rosé. The typical fruitiness of this pink apparition will appeal to the white wine drinker, yet the depth of flavor will satisfy the red wine drinker looking for a fresh, chilled cocktail. Rosé is a versatile wine in food pairing, great with appetizers, pasta, fish and grilled meat. Though many people believe rosé is sweet, this wine style runs the gamut from juicy strawberry all the way to bone-dry melon. A few of my favorites, listed from fruitiest to driest:
- Pink Knot (2005, McLaren Vale, Australia) This Grenache Rosé features fresh aromas of garden flowers and wafts of cotton candy. Juicy strawberry and watermelon flavors give it a gentle sweetness that’s well balanced. Drink it really cold with out on the deck with some appetizers. $10.
- Sonsierra (2006, Rioja, Spain) This rosé is made from Tempranillo, the classic red grape of Spain, and the skins are left on the fermenting wine just long enough to give it a brilliant salmon hue. Aromas include earth, leather, and an abundance of raspberry. Fresh on the palate with a very fruity finish, try pairing it with hard cheeses or grilled meat. $14.
- Chateau Calissane (2007, Provence, France) Bright pink with magenta highlights, this dry style rosé from a small, quality producer offers ripe berry and melon flavor. A tad fuller bodied thanks to its blend of Syrah, Grenache and other native grapes, it’s smooth on the palate with a dry, crisp finish, typical of rosé from this region. Excellent with lighter fare or creamy cheeses. $15.
Go ahead and try a rosé this month, especially if you aren’t familiar with the style. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if you don’t have enough reasons to drink this month, here are a few more for you (who knew?):
National Bike Month. 52nd Annual Celebration of Bicycling www.bikemonth.com
Women’s Health Care Month. www.4women.gov/whw/
National Salsa Month www.pacefoods.com
National Salad Month www.dressings-sauces.org
National Sweet Vidalia Onion Month www.vidaliaonion.org
National Egg Month www.aeb.org
National Vinegar Month www.versatilevinegar.org
Photo Month www.takegreatpictures.com
National Tennis Month www.tennismonth.com