“The only thing appealing about Rosé is its color”. While at
a wine tasting event this past weekend this is what another lady in attendance said when
the person conducting the tasting poured a Rosé. It set me back when the person conducting the tasting agreed with her. GASP! How unfair, how
untrue! If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’re aware that in the past I too have been judgmental when it comes to Rosé which for the longest time
would conjure up memories of my Grandmother’s holiday wine choice of Paul Masson
sold in a carafe shaped bottle with a metal lid. I still shudder at the
thought.
In recent years I’ve made a point to explore Rosé wines and
though the color is quite lovely, I've found it’s not just another pretty face. I’ve
realized one shouldn’t paint with so wide a brush. Actually, some of you may
have fond memories of Paul Masson. I’ve
learned Rosé wines vary greatly just like red or white and can be comprised
of many different varietals other than Zinfandel.
As I stood at the tasting, I was thinking about this week’s
Wine Wednesday feature that I had just enjoyed the night before. The 2014 Remy
Pannier Rosé ď Anjou is from the Loire Valley of France. The wine takes its
name from its location of origin, Anjou the former French county. This wine is
a blend of 70% Grolleau, 20% Gamay and 10% Cabernet Franc. Though all are dark
skinned grapes the salmon color of this wine is likely achieved by the skin
contact method where the juice is exposed to the dark skins for a limited period
of time.
This is an off-dry wine with notes of strawberry and citrus
blossom and a pronounced minerality. It starts slightly sweet on the tongue and
finishes with a lovely crisp acidity. Because of the minerality I think it
would make a great pairing with fish or shellfish and because it is off-dry it
could be wonderful with spicy dishes.
We enjoyed it with Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia. Try it with Grilled
Squid Tacos with Pineapple Slaw and a spicy Thai Remoulade. Click the links
below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions.
