Call a rosé by any other name and it’s still a rose. But don’t pass on the “pink wine” – these rosés aren’t nearly as sweet as they look. In fact, many regions produce amazing dry rosé. Let Spec’s peel back the petals and get past the labels with our rosés from around the world.
1. Argentina is a great way to break into the world of Rosé Malbec, a bright ruby red rosé. This well-structured wine boasts lavish cherries, ripe raspberries and strawberries on the nose and on the palate, with a stylish and crisp finish.
2. South Africa’s Cabernet, Grenache, and Syrah are good year round – look for the traditional pink color with an attractive orange tint. The nose can be intensely aromatic, with notes of tangerine peel, raspberry and wild strawberries. The palate has crystal purity with lovely weight and notes of grapefruit on the long finish.
3. In France, Loire (Chinon) rosés have been outselling whites. When shopping for Cabernet-Franc, look for an attractive coral color that will exude aromas of potpourri and rose petals. The palate has a pleasant burst of soft redcurrant fruit prior to a dry, clean finish.
4. Provence (Bandol) can be paired with a wide variety of entrees. Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre bear a pale copper-hinted salmon color. These wines have loads of minerality, which compliments the intensity of fruit flavors that continually evolve in the glass. Look for strawberry, red currant, raspberry, watermelon and tangerine flavors, with lifted floral notes and an alluring scent of garrigue – the floral, herbaceous aroma of herbes de provence.
5. Spec’s Spanish selection offers amazing values in Garnacha, Monastrell, and Syrah. Look for refreshing aromas with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors and traces of citrus. The palate is beautifully balanced with a refreshing crisp acidity, a soft round red fruit finish, and a hint of minerality.
6. Italy’s rosés will please any red or white wine drinker. Sangiovese Alicante has a delicate and fragrant nose highlighted by watermelon and cherry blossom flavors. Hints of lavender and cinnamon are typical of these exotic varieties. Most of these varietals are light-bodied and have a dry and refreshing finish with crisp acidity.
7. Oregon has some of the most refreshing Pinot Noir and Syrah rosés. Look for a graceful balance of elegance and earthiness with soft tannins, abundant acidity, and rich, luscious red fruit. Cherries, raspberries, and a hint of sage form a creamy richness on the palate, while texture and grip create full body.
These wines are just a sample of the many excellent rosés now available at Spec’s. Once you’ve been tickled pink by these wines, we also carry several excellent examples from the Bordeaux and Rhone regions, Portugal, California, and Australia for you to try!
Submitted by: Marcos Pena, Store #94 in El Paso, TX
