Taste DRINK
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
THINK PINK
Toast spring with refreshing rosés right at home
Hunkered down at your house for the time being? We’ve rounded up bottles of spring’s quintessential wine – rosé – to sip on during your own at-home happy hour. Delicately pink, these flavorful still and sparkling options can be purchased online, with some available at stores around the Valley should you venture out.
Fleur de Mer Rosé Made in the classic style from France, expect a seductive bouquet of cherries, wildflowers and fresh-cut citrus upon pouring. A combination of watermelons, wild strawberries, peaches and raspberries come together on the tongue in a symphony of flavor. $15.99. www.fleurdemerrose.com. Wilson Creek Rosé Crisp and elegant, this effervescent option bursts with bubbles and strawberry aromatics before opening up to berry and ripe melon flavors. Refreshing and not overly sweet, it pairs well with Asian dishes, especially those that are spicy. $19.99. www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. Quivira 2018 Wine Creek Ranch Rosé Awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, this estate-grown, single-vineyard vintage is made in homage to the Rhone Valley of France, with striking flavors of cherry pie, pomegranate, and tart rhubarb. $22. www.quivirawine.com. 2018 Foley Sonoma Rosé of Pinot Primarily made from pinot noir with a touch of Grenache to add complexity, this Russian River Valley favorite is equal parts juicy and crisp. The unmistakable watermelon and raspberry notes are followed by a hint of strawberries that makes for a perfect ending. $22. www.foleyfoodandwinesociety.com. Capo Creek 2018 Rosé The nose on this light, refreshing vintage is a familiar one from childhood – watermelon Jolly Ranchers! On the palate, there are strong strawberry notes and a balanced hint of that Jolly Rancher flavor that refrains from being overly sweet. $24. www.capocreekranch.com.
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Uptown April ‘20
2018 Oak Farm Vineyards Rosé of Grenache There’s a lot happening here, including aromas of grapefruit, melon, jasmine and rose. The wine’s bright and floral notes on the palate give way to crisp acidity and a smooth finish. $24. www.oakfarmvineyards.com. Poizin Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine This brut rosé tantalizes and refreshes the palate with its silky effervescence. There are certainly hints of strawberries and raspberries on the nose and taste, but also more surprising, nuanced notes of honey-dipped red apples and banana cream pie on the finish. $34. www.armida.com. 2018 Long Meadow Ranch Rosé of Pinot Noir The aroma and taste of this wine is intense and complex, with floral and fresh fruit notes such as stone fruits and strawberries. The fruitier flavors are followed by gentle spice, yet it remains refreshing. $25. www.longmeadowranch.com. J Vineyards & Winery Brut Rosé This vibrant bottle opens with raspberries, Rainier cherries, and red grapefruit aromatics. It’s balanced with a creamy mouthfeel and hints of brioche toast and star anise, which dance together with the more fruit-driven elements. $45. www.jwine.com. Cheurlin Rosé de Saignée Operating for more than two centuries, this brand makes low-sugar wines, including this sparkling varietal made from pinot noir grapes. It starts with a bouquet of roses and berries on the nose and is crisp and bright with ripe berries to the taste. $54.99. www.cheurlin.com.