Monday, May 16, 2011

Wino Wednesday: Rose


Last week, Miranda hosted our wine club get-together and before I get to the wines, we have to take a moment to talk about the spread. Miranda is a master of easy entertaining. She grew up in a family of four kids so she's all about throwing things together in a chic way that makes people think you spent hours. She served spanakopita, mushroom turnovers, a cheese selection including a yummy apricot cheese, and a FABULOUS salad of arugula, strawberries, shaved parmesan and champagne vinaigrette.


Trader Joe's berry torte!


Yummy cheeses!


Proper rose was new to most of us. It is not the same thing as white zinfandel, or blush wine; it's made from red grapes without the skins that give red wine its tannins. It's a slightly dry wine, perfect for summer meals of grilled fish and poultry, and often paired with paella. We tried:
  • Tapena Rose Wine: Fruity, a bit dry. It's a Spanish rose and is recommended to pair with manchego.
  • Caves de L'Angevine Rose D'Anjou: French rose wine, from the Loire Valley. Sweet to start and dry to finish.
  • Bougrier Loire Valley Rose D'Anjou: This one is by the same family that makes the Caves de L'Angevine. It was my personal fave, just the right balance of sweet and dry, fruity and refreshing. I can definitely imagine taking this one on a picnic.
  • La Ferme Julien Rose: This was my last-minute Trader Joe's purchase. For $5, it was pretty great, but I still preferred the Bougrier. Trader's is always a great choice, though. 
We also had a sparkling rose that I've now forgotten (bad blogger, I know!). Rose seems best for summers, so take advantage now as we move into picnic/BBQ weather!

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