Make Way for Rosé

May has arrived! Those dark, stormy, wintry days have hung around long enough, they WILL go away! If the weather is refusing to cooperate, maybe we can help spring out by drinking great rosé anyway! It’s really never too early to get into the rosé spirit.

Here is the pre-summer Top-10 Best Rosé List!

1) 2016 Tranche Pink Pape Estate Rosé Blackrock Vineyard Yakima Valley ($14.99)

“Pale salmon in color with a light pink hue. Delicate aromas of rose petal, white peach and honeydew, with lifted notes of sweet pink grapefruit and lemon peel. The wine falls effortlessly onto the palate as light mountain berry and stone fruit flavors combine with fresh citrus qualities and a crushed river rock minerality. Driving acidity provides excellent focus and direction, drawing out the palate to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. A blend of Grenache, Counoise and Cinsault.”

2) 2016 Domaine Eugene Carrel Jongieux Rosé de Savoie France ($12.99)

“This is a Rosé of exceptional freshness and expressive flavors which derive from the unique blend of native grapes. The wine displays pure and intense flavors and aromas of black cherry, strawberry, wild flowers and minerals.” –Winemaker notes.

3) 2016 Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé Pfalz Germany ($11.19)

“Ernest Loosen has taken over the historic J.L. Wolf estate. The Pfalz is a very warm and sunny region, often called ‘the Tuscany of Germany,’ so all of the Pinot varieties do well here. The Rosé is a true rosé, made with a brief maceration. The resulting wine is light and refreshing, with deliciously bright fruit flavors and a clean, zippy finish.” –Winery notes.

4) 2016 Lobo Hills Cabernet Franc Rose Yakima Valley ($14.99)

“The Cabernet Franc Rosé is a rich and complex rose, aged on the lees. It opens with aromas of cherries, pepper, strawberries and anise. The palate blends food-friendly acid with gentle notes of cranberries, roses and cherries. Production: 450 cases. Available: 47.” –Winemaker notes.

5) 2016 Seven Hills Dry Rosé Columbia Valley ($14.99)

In the tradition of the classic French rosés, ours is delicate and refreshing, pale in color, and bone-dry. Primarily Cabernet Franc, with small amounts of Petit Verdot for additional structure and Malbec for expressive fruitfulness, this wine exhibits flavors of peach, grapefruit and papaya along with fresh herbs and minerality.

6) 2016 Barnard Griffin of Sangiovese Rosé Columbia Valley ($10.59)

“Mouthwatering raspberry, orange and pomegranate flavors are balanced by the perfect amount of juicy acidity. Dry, tangy and vibrant! Just a touch of lime and mineral notes checks in on the long finish. Taste for yourself why Barnard Griffin Roses have won eleven Best of Class and numerous gold awards at prestigious wine competitions since our first Rose release in 2002.” - Winemaker notes.

7) 2016 AIX Rosé Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence ($13.99)

“The 2016 AIX Rosé is the result of great passion and dedication to produce the best possible Rosé. The hypnotizing salmon pink color reveals the fruity freshness of top quality Provence Rosé. Its generous taste, harmonious structure and long finish make it the perfect rosé to drink with friends all day long! A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Cinsault.” –Winemaker notes.

8) 2016 Mr. Pink Rosé of Sangiovese Underground Wine Project ($11.19)

Collaboration between winemakers Mark McNeilly (Mark Ryan Winery) and Trey Busch (Renegade Wine Co. and Sleight of Hand Cellars). The nose has the essence of orange blossoms and nectarines, while the palate shows flavors of watermelon, grapefruit and strawberry yogurt. It’s bright and refreshing, making your mouth water just a bit.

9) 2016 Domaine de Couron Rosé Ardeche France ($8.39)

Jean-Luc carries the mantle, a descendant of nine generations of wine growers. Jean-Luc and Marie-Lise Dorthe craft, with loving hands, wines on land once cultivated by the Romans. 100% Grenache. 39-year-old vines. A bright, bountiful bouquet of fresh strawberries and watermelon with notes of citrus zest. Fresh, full-flavored, but light-bodied mélange from light raspberry and watermelon to strawberry.

10) 2016 Domaine Sorin Rosé ‘Terra Amata’ Côtes de Provence ($11.19)

Brilliant pink robe with aromas of white peaches and citrus fruit on the nose, hints of minerals and spice. Attacking freshness with hints of raspberry and red current on the palate. The blend is 40% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignan, 10% Rolle and 5% Orgi.

Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate and tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.