It used to be considered déclassé but it’s now one of the fastest growing wines in New York. Food friendly rosé is a light wine made all over the world. The southern French region of Provence has made its production into an art form, which may be why France is the world’s leading producer of rosé.
French rosés are traditionally made by briefly macerating red grapes (saignée), “bleeding” them with only limited contact with the skins. This produces a higher quality wine. When the European Union recently discussed the possibility of allowing winemakers to blend red and white wines and call it rosé, the Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence (CIVP), a wine association, rose up in protest.
Quality rosé requires time, effort, and technique. Reasonably priced dry rosé features aromas and flavors of watermelon, pears, peaches, citrus, strawberry, and rhubarb. The refreshing acidity brings out the flavors and elongates the lingering taste. A favorite picnic wine, rosé pairs well with salad Niçoise, grilled fish, herbed chicken, risotto, hard cheeses, charcuterie, smoked salmon, and vegetables. Light-bodied and fruity rosés from Provence and Languedoc are just the beginning of a taste-testing rosé journey. Sweet Rosé d’Anjou and other dry fine pinks come from the loire; bone-dry tavel Rosés that are excellent in the summer heat are made in the Rhone Valley. Popular French labels are Chateau Roubine, Rabiega, Calissanne, lacombe, St. Chinian, Roulerie, Guigal, and Domaines ott. New York City features many restaurants and wine bars that offer French rosé selections.
JOHN’S FAVORITES:
Fig & Olive: 420 W 13 St -(Additional Manhattan locations) bet. Washington and Greenwich Sts – P: 212-924-1200 – Website: FigAndolive.com.
Balthazar: 80 Spring at Crosby St. P: 212-343-1274. Website: BalthazarNy.com.
Brasserie Cognac: 1740 Broadway at 55 St – P: 212-757-3600. Website: CognacRestaurant.com.
Marseille: 630 9 Ave at 44 St – P: 212-333-2323. Website: MarseilleNyc.com.
Any other addresses? Drop us a line in our comment box below.
John Bandman is a wine educator for the Art Institute of NYC, French Wine Society, and Sommelier Society.He is a Certified Sommelier and holds the British Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma.
