Keep It Simple, Sucka
Mark the time: 10:21 PM MDT on a Thursday. I have made a gross generalization about one particular category of wine - rosé.
Pink wine's astronomic position in the ever-expanding wine universe is this: Rosé is made to drink and enjoy. No analytical tasting necessary. I've recently (see here) sampled serious rosé and found that I was almost let down by the wine's subtlety & complexity. In contrast, I slammed down $7.95 for a pink Garnacha from Spain and was tickled, uh, pink. Remember the axiom, "Veidah iss betta"? How's about this for a rosé regulation: "Keep it simple, sucka*".
Exhibit A in support of good, simple rosé:
Marco Real Garnacha 2006 ($6-$9; imported by S. Miles Selections). This little pink gem has everything anyone could possibly want in a summertime beverage. It's straightforward with ultra-simple scents and flavors of strawbrerry strawberry. After that, if the wine be chilled, it's mission on earth is to refresh you at the beach, on a picnic or in front of an AC vent. Senor Real scores bonus points for keeping the ABV under 13% (12.5%, to be exact). Nothing ruins a dandy rosé sipping experience more than hefty body & hot finish due to high [ethanol].
Currently Spain seems to be the epicenter for cheap & cheerful pink drinks. If you can't find M. Real, I'm sure you'll come up with another rosé josé.
*And by simple, I don't mean White Zinfandel. WZ is an abomination unto the oeno-world and should be smitten from the face of the earth. Can I get an Amen?
Grenache rose is where it's at. Had one myself tonight with BBQ chicken. All those years of white zin made us wary, but this is a way different Age of Rose.
Posted by: Dr. Debs | 19 July 2007 at 11:24 PM
Amen, my brutha!
Posted by: winehiker | 20 July 2007 at 10:43 AM
I agree with you completely that Spanish rose is both affordable and generally, damn fine wine! A few nights ago, we had, yet another, grill-out complete with a bottle of Huerta de la Reina Espumoso from Bodegas de Crianza de Castilla la Vieja. Although this bottle has not been released yet, when it does, get on it! A blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, it screams, "STRAWBERRY" with a touch of spice. It's crisp, fleshy and fruity, and strangely, the only image that comes to mind when I think of this wine is Marilyn Monroe in a red bikini lounging at the pool in Monaco. Fabulous summer wine!
Posted by: Gabriella Opaz | 24 July 2007 at 03:01 AM
DD - Set that to music: "It is the dawning of the age of rose-e-e"
WH - Yes, Lawd!
GO - Indeed the Spaniard roses are more Marilyn-in-bikini than Giselle-in-swimwear. They are sexy, robust and juicy!
Posted by: beau | 24 July 2007 at 11:34 AM