As I write this, the rain is beating down on the roof. Why am I so darn cheerful? I’ve got a glass of rosé nearby of course. Rain or shine ‘tis the season to drink pink. There is no guarantee of good weather in Vancouver but you can be sure that summertime promises an onslaught of the latest rosé releases.
Like many of my colleagues, I actually encourage rosé consumption year round. Perhaps it’s my sunny disposition but it seems like we are no longer alone. Surely anticipation has started earlier in the year. On a particularly balmy day in April, I was bombarded by friends asking if the new vintages of rosé had arrived yet.
By now the shelves are teaming with them. Particularly noticeable is the welcome invasion from Provence. For me, these are the epitome of rosé with their pale hue, delicate flavours (that are usually uncomplicated by oak), moderate alcohol and dryness on the palate. These wines have become so popular, stock barely lasts until the end of summer. (You have been warned.)
Outside Provence, styles are less uniform than these very distinct pinks. You’ll find a range of sweetness, alcohol and weight along with plenty made sparkling. I look to Spain and Italy for unique examples made from intriguing native grapes. I’ve also been sampling my way though our local wares as BC wineries have been surreptitiously releasing a bevy of rosés over the past few months. All in the name of science, right?
Here’s to a very rosy summer.
2015 Pasión de Bobal • Utiel Requena DO • $16.99, BC Liquor Stores
Spain is a savvy source for charismatic fruity rosé. Here the local Bobal grape demonstrates just that with red currant, rosewater, strawberry and character-aplenty. Serve alongside a seafood paella.
Rivera 2015 Castel Del Monte DOC Rosé • Puglia, Italy • $17-18, private wine stores
From the torrid reaches of Puglia, comes this surprisingly crisp and vibrant rosé made from the indigenous Bombino Nero grape. It clocks in at a refreshingly moderate 12 per cent and provides a satisfying mouthful of red cherry, blood orange and citrus blossom. A treat with tuna tartare.
2015 Domaine Saint Ferreol, les Vaunières • Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP, France • $17.99, BC Liquor Stores
One of my favourite Provençal rosés last year, les Vaunières delivers yet again with the 2015 vintage, especially for the price. Wafts of raspberry and orange zestwith juicy peach and mineral on the palate leading to a dry tangy finish. Whip up a garlicky aioli with a pile of chopped veggies for dipping.
2015 Tinhorn Creek, Oldfield Series Rosé • Okanagan Valley, BC VQA • $20-22, private wine stores and winery
Locavore have lots of rosé to choose from as BC wineries enthusiastically embrace pink. Check out Tinhorn's 100 per cent Cabernet Franc. It offers notes of cranberry, rhubarb, dried herbs and a hint of sweetness on finish. Weighty enough to take on barbecued chicken or pork.
2015 Cristia Collection • Côtes de Provence AOC, France • $25.99, BC Liquor Stores
The most elegant of the bunch, this demurely blushing beauty seduces with concentrated and lingering flavours of tangerine, rose petal and watermelon. Juicy and textured without being heavy. I test drove it with salmon and sautéed scapes and was in summer dining heaven.
• Prices are exclusive of taxes.
