I Dream in Pink

Rosé, rosé, rosé is here in full force! Below is a Top-10 list to get you through the hottest of days. Enjoy a safe and adventurous summer, and we will see you in September.

2017 Château Peyrassol Cuvée of the Commanderie Rosé Côtes de Provence ($23.39)

With its beginnings dating back to the middle ages, this beautiful Rosé is both elegant and mineral with bright acidity and floral red fruit. It carries a beautiful pale pink color, a lovely fruit blossom nose and finishes crisply dry with a stony touch, resulting in a Rosé that is lively, fresh and full-bodied. A classic Provençal Rosé from Neal Rosenthal Imports.

2017 Syncline Rosé McKinley Springs Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills ($18.99)

“The 2017 is delightfully fresh and complex. Presenting pure aromas of early spring strawberries and flavors of citrus zest and watermelon. A blend of 40% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache and 27% Cinsault.” ~Winemaker notes.

2017 Dunham Cellars Rosé of Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley ($18.69)

“Opens with aromas of ripe strawberry, melon and grapefruit zest. With minimal skin contact, the color is a beautifully delicate pale pink. Lively acidity balances the crisp flavors with a refreshing minerality that provides a cleansing finish and beckons for another sip! 70% stainless steel, 30% concrete egg.” ~Winemaker notes.

2017 Beckham Estate Vineyard Olivia’s Pinot Noir Rose Chehalem Mountains ($17.99)

“We love Rosé! Named for our youngest daughter Olivia, this Rosé heralds the flavors of summer. Picked over three different passes through the vineyard and pressed right away to ferment and age in neutral barrels. There is a pale blush color, mouthwatering acidity and notes of apricots, honeydew and grapefruit.” ~Winemaker notes.

2017 Domaine de l’Hortus Rosé Pic Saint Loup Coteaux du Languedoc ($16.99)

This Languedoc Rosé reveals gourmet aromas dominated by raspberry and strawberry. Very pleasant softness and volume. Long finish is very rich in fruits, accompanied by spicy notes. A blend of 35% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre.

2017 Les Tètes Rosé Azay-le-Rideau Touraine Loire Valley ($15.99)

“Les Tètes is a small project started in 2011 by four friends, including the famous winemaker Nicolas Grosbois. The idea is simple, to propose and vinify friends’ wines, wines without making headaches. Each partner has a primary wine project, but works together to produce the Les Tètes. 60% Grolleau and 40% Gamay. Certified Organic.” ~Winemakers notes.

2017 Julien Braud “Forty Ounce” Rosé Vin de France (1L) ($15.99)

“This Rosé is a blend of 53% Gamay, 33% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Pineau d’Aunis. A serious Rosé with a vibrant pink hue laced with gorgeous flavors of white cherries and strawberry with a hint of marjoram. The palate is full for a rosé and keeps on going using organic and biodynamic practices. Julien Braud, Winemaker.

2017 Domaine de Fontsainte Rosé Corbières Gris de Gris ($14.69)

The 2017 has a delicate, pale salmon color, tantalizing as ever, and it is succulently fruity on the nose and palate. ‘Succulent’ in the sense of biting into a ripe fruit—or, rather, a cornucopia of ripe fruits—and feeling them burst under your teeth, spattering your taste buds with delectable flavors of fresh citrus and berries. And then, the finish: crisp, dry, lip-smacking as ever. Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant.

2017 Rezabal Txakoli Rosé Hondarrabi Spain ($13.09)

Rezabal winery is a third generation family-owned estate. The vineyard is established in the best hillsides, and is strongly influenced by the daily sea breeze. The Rosé is made with 80% Hondarrabi Beltza and 20% Hondarrabi Zuri. Aromatic, dry and slightly effervescent. It has delicate flavors of wild strawberries, bright acidity and great minerality.

2017 Moulin De Gassac Rose Guilhem Languedoc Roussillon ($13.09)

Aromas of fresh picked strawberries and crushed red fruits – raspberries and cherries – get a lift from floral accents and a hint of citrus rind. In the mouth, it’s bright and crisp but also fleshy and rich, with loads of ripe berry fruit and just a touch of mineral. It fills your mouth with flavor and fun before the acids come up on the finish. Equal parts Syrah and Carignan.

CHEERS!

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 a 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.