Tag Archives: Rose’

Classic Zin, Good Rose, Killer Find!

20 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by in California, France, Italy, Napa/Sonoma

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There are good wines, great wines and wines which just bring you joy. These reviews offer a good mixture of all.

SEbastianiSebastiani Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel – This was really great, classic Sonoma County Zinfandel from Sebastiani – a family with roots in California dating back to the late 1800s.

The wine had wonderful balance, power, really dark fruit, pepper, and the dusty quality that really sets some wines apart as they age gracefully.

It’s what most wine geeks would call really “ripe fruit” but isn’t that what entices some wine buyers” I think so.

This wine is a great bargain that tops many at a higher price point. CellarTracker users gave it 89 points and I find that rating spot on.

I got this bottle in a blind “mystery’ half case sale through Invino wines online site.  What a pleasant surprise considering I got it for $10!

Sebastiani Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel, $14-$16, Highly Recommended.

cinsaultLes Jamelles 2011 Cinsault Rose’ – With summer approaching, I’m looking for great dry Rosé. My search led me to pick up this bottle last weekend after attending a large tasting of nearly 50 different wines. (No, I didn’t taste them all!)

Cinsault is a red wine grape and mostly used in blends. It’s also a popular component of many Rosé wines. It’s widely planted in Southern France’s Languedoc region. The 100-percent Cinsault was unusual and the price was cheap so I grabbed a bottle.

It’s a very light wine on the palate, making it perfect for hot summer weather. Frankly, I was looking for a bit more flavor. It also had a tiny bit of a ‘candied” mouth feel. I would by no means call it sweet though. I liked the flavors and just wish it was more pronounced.

But at this price, it’s a great dry Rosé for those exploring these delightful summer wines.

Les Jamelles 2011 Cinsault Rose’, $11.99, Cork & Cracker, Indianapolis; Recommended

RignanaInvino Online Wine Surprise! – I buy a lot of wine from online flash sites. These are sites which buy directly from wineries at a reduced rate. But the good sites, and there a plenty of sites, are sourcing interesting wines you may never find off a shelf.

That’s what happened when I scanned an Invino Wine sale Saturday morning. Invino was offereing Fattoria di Rignana Chianti Classico. I had visited Fattoria di Rignana on New Year’s Eve 2009.

Rignana-Chianti-Classico-2007-LabelIt was a cold gray day but I remember the Rignana was simply the best Chianti Classico I had ever tasted. I ordered three bottles off the site. It normally retails for $30 but I got it for $17,99 a bottle.

If you’d like an invitation to Invino, just drop me a note or leave a comment at the bottom of the blog. You need to include an email address. I’ve written about many of these flash internet sites. These web sales points are offering some of the best deals you’ll find in wine.

Provence, Oregon Visiting Chicago

05 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in France, Oregon

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Trade tasting events often are hosted by importers and wholesalers and give wine media, retailers, and wholesalers a chance to taste some wines. They’re always nice events, in great places, with really good food.

Chicago 230 x 300By an unfortunate coincidence, Oregon’s Willamette Valley producers and France’s Vins de Provence are holding tastings Thursday at almost exactly the same times on opposite sides of downtown Chicago.

But the great part is winemakers and winery owners will be on hand at both events. That’s a wine writer’s gold mine!

I registered for the Pinot in the Windy City event first then learned the date of the Provence pouring. So I have a strategy to get to both but downtown Chicago traffic could play a role.

The Oregon producers are making their first excursion to Chicago. “We’ve touched both coasts with our traveling events and look forward to sharing our wines in the great Midwest,” said Sue Horstman, Willamette Valley Wineries Association Executive Director.

A public tasting will take place 6-9 p.m. at City Winery on the near west side of downtown following the trade event. Anyone can taste the great Pinot, Pinot Gris and other wines for $65 by registering in advance.

ProvenceI know Oregon friends Jesse Lange, Lange Estate Winery, and Bill and Donna from Winderlea will be in attendance.

Across town near the lakeshore, Vins de Provence will host a trade tasting presenting approximately 20 wineries pouring their Provence Rose’ and other wines.

The explosion of US sales of Provence Rose’ makes the visit a great story to share.

I hope to make both events. Or as I like to call it – work, work, work!

Three Rose’ Wines Worthy of Consideration

13 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by in France, Spain

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Have you spent a summer looking through Rose’ colored glasses? If not, it’s never too late.

Sales are really exploding in this country for Rose’ wines – that happy middle between whites and reds. The beautiful dry Rose’ wines will please almost any palate.

Here are three worthy of your consideration.

Chaeau La Tour De Beraud 2011 Rose – The Costieres De Nimes region of Southern France produces many nice Rose’ wines. This was one of the most enjoyable I tasted this summer. This Rose was 50 percent Grenache, 30 percent Mourvedre, and 20 percent Syrah.

A simple primer on the grapes is that Grenache will give it great fruit flavor, the Mouvredre will add a little color and the Syrah adds body and mouth feel to the wine.

The wine had delightful fruit and balance. Rose’ done right is always very drinkable wine and this one was one of the best. It was in limited supply when I bought it several weeks ago in Indiana. If you find the wine, buy it.

Chateau La Tour De Beraud 2011 Rose, $11-$14, Very Highly Recommended.

Borsao 2011 Rose’ – One of my first really great Rose’ wines was a Spanish Garnacha-based wine. During my last trip to the wine shop, I realized I hadn’t had one this year! So I picked up a very affordable Borsao 2011 Rose.

Before any wine geekiness – the Borsao Rose’ can be found for $7-$12. At that price, you should buy a case.

The Garnacha (same as French Grenache) makes beautiful and fruity wines – especially Rose. The wine had nice balance but pretty mild acidity, perhaps too mild for some tastes. But it kills the drinkability test.

The differences between a Spanish Garnacha Rose’ and a blend from Southern France will be slight for many but worth the exploration.

Borsao 2011 Rose’, $7-$12, Recommended

Cuvee des Messes Basses Ventoux 2011 Rose’ – A Grenache blend Rose that is easily the lightest of the three reviewed here. Now, that does not mean it’s flavorless. But the fruit is mild, its soft on the palate and the acidity is barely detected.

Many wine writers/critics would hate this wine for all of those reasons. I like it for all those reasons. I like big bold wines, light bodies wines and wines which fall everywhere in between.

It’s delightful, non-complicated wine that’s easy to drink. Isn’t that what most of us are looking for on most trips to the wine shop?

Cuvee des Messes Basses Ventoux 2011 Rose’, I couldn’t find what I paid for it but under $15, Recommended.


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Two Very Nice Rose Hits and a Big Miss

05 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in France, Oregon

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Yesterday I posted some “catch up” reviews and I’m still catching up! Now let’s go through a couple of very nice and one naughty Rose.

Chateau Ollieux Romanis 2011 Rose – This Corbieres region of the Languedoc almost always offers up nice wines in a very drinkable style.

The Rose is made from 60percent  Grenache gris, 30 percent Cinsault, and 10 percent Grenache Noir. It’s a beautiful light salmon color typical of Southern France Rose. I got floral hints and herbs and a really nice and refreshing glass of wine for $15.99.

When I found the average price on the internet at $11, I’m not sure I liked it as much! But at either price it’s a great summer sipper.

Chateau Ollieux Romanis 2011 Rose, $11-$15.99, Recommended.

Coteaux D’ Ancenis 2011 Rose – Okay, I bought this for the novelty. The Rose was certainly more of a red than pink or salmon and it caught my eye because its made from the great Beaujolais grape of gamay.

I’m not sure if it was the gamay, the wine making process, or what – but I ended up pouring it out. The wine had not gone bad but not to my taste at all.

Coteaux D’ Ancenis 2011 Rosm $12.99, Not Recommended.

Lachini Vineyard 2010 Rose of Pinot Noir – Wow! I’ve had a lot of Pinot Rose and this one was easily the best ever! I’m a huge fan of most of Oregon’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir so it holds to reason some of those wineries should be knocking Rose’ out of the park.

And this Rose, is a triple crown winner – fruit, balance and acidity is everything you’d want in a well-made white/Rose’ wine. It’s crisp, clean and bold enough cherry fruit to make most Rose’ fans happy. The finish was nice and it really made me re-think Rose’ of Pinot.

Lachini Vineyard 2010 Rose of Pinot Noir, $19.99, Highly Recommended

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Video: Playing Around With Wine Glasses

18 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by in Videos, Wine Education/News/Updates

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For some time I’ve felt like a few video posts would be fun and add some variety to the blog. Or, call it channeling my inner Gary Vaynerchuk.

It seems to me these should have a purpose beyond the usual stuff. I’ve posted videos on many occasions before interviewing winemakers and such. I will use video largely in the future as a bit of education or fun for the novice wine drinkers.

Does the size of the glass matter? For the first time ever I tried a large and small glass with some French Rose’. Frankly, there wasn’t a big difference. But check out the video for the whole story.

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Summer Drinking – Two Whites & a Rose’

10 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by in California, France, Paso Robles & Mendocino

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Summer time is lighter wine time for most of us and I’ve definitely been going down that path in recent weeks.

The more wine I’ve consumed in recent years, the more I’ve come to appreciate really well-made whites. I might argue the learning curve is accelerated because of the red wine dominance on my wine rack. Many will disagree, but for me it’s a little easier to identify the characteristics of red wine. White and Rose’ is more nuanced.

Enough of the geeky stuff. Here are three easy-to-find wines I purchased in Central Indiana – all under $20.

Clayhouse Adobe White – The Adobe line of Clayhouse wines from California’s Paso Robles are really great value wines. I just received samples of the 2011 vintage with a couple bottles I’ve not previously sampled. These wines clearly taste above the price point, are nicely balanced, and are available at great prices. The suggested retail on the entire line is $14 or $15.

The tasty blend is 49 percent Viognier, 26 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 19 percent Grenache Blanc, and 6 percent Princess. Princess is often called a table grape and is said to resemble Muscat in flavor. It was a new one for me. I have found Viognier I’ve loved and hated – it’s very floral and fruity normally. I remember last year’s Adobe White and was put off just a bit by the Viognier. The 2011 blend is a perfect mix.

The wine has floral, identifiable orange, peach, and honey flavors. Portions of this wine are barrel fermented, but not aged, resulting in a real creamy feel on the palate. The alcohol comes in at 12.8 percent.

Simply, this is a great summer sipper or white for lighter meals.

Clayhouse Adobe White, SRP $14, Trade Sample, Highly Recommended

Arona 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – Sauv Blanc from New Zealand often takes a hit for the big acid, over-the-top fruit, and that ‘grassy thing” many wine drinkers don’t like.

Check out Arona Sauv Blanc if you are one of those folks. I tried this wine at a tasting conducted by Derek Gray of Graybull Wines. I loved it.

This wine is much lighter on the palate than many NZ Sauv Blancs. It still had the crisp acidity which would make it perfect for lighter seafood dishes, particularly white fish. Think passion fruit, pineapple, and aroma-pleasing citrus.

If you like NZ and California Sauvignon Blanc but want a bit lighter mouth feel, grab a bottle of Arona.

Arona 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99, I bought this wine at Mass. Ave. Wine Shop in Indy. Highly Recommended.


Gerard Bertrand 2010 Gris Blanc Rose’ – I’ve been on a real Rose’ kick and this one is different as they come. First, Gerard Bertand is one of the most respected winemakers in Southern France. His wines offer great value for the price point.

This wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. Most notably, is the very – very pale – salmon color often associated with Provence’s fine Rose’ wines.

I got peach and maybe hint of a red raspberry. The wine is lighter on the palate than many but it does have pretty serious acidity. It’s also seriously dry Rose’. It would be another choice for white fish, shell fish, or a summer salad.

I picked up this unique Rose’ at Vine and Table in Carmel.

Gerard Bertrand 2010 Gris Blanc Rose, $13.99, Recommended.

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Not Your Granny’s Pink Wine Any More

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by in France, Newspaper Column 2012

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Those silly looking pink wines in your favorite wine shop or liquor store are gaining respect through robust sales. Rosé is perfect for the summer’s hot weather and sales are even hotter.

The numbers are staggering. Since 2009, overall consumption of Rosé wines has increased 160 percent.

Arguably, the best Rose’ in the world comes from Southern France. Exports of rose’ wine from the Provence region to the U.S. grew 62 percent in volume last year compared to 2010. Value of exports for the 2010-2011 period increased nearly 50 percent to a record high of nearly $10 million Euro.
The booming growth can be dated back to 2003 when Provence exported 146,000 liters of Rosé to the U.S. Last year that number easily passed 1.7 million liters.
Bethann Kendall, Vine and Table

But the U.S. isn’t the only major importer of the salmon-pink Rosé wines. Sales have also increased significantly in Brazil, Russia and other countries.

“What we’re seeing in the U.S. market reflects a global trend,” said Julie Peterson of the Vins de Provence U.S. office, which provided the statistics above. “Those who appreciate great wine and the Mediterranean lifestyle are turning to Provence rosé for its versatility, food friendliness, and gold standard quality.”

Midwestern wine retailers have also noticed the explosion in growth.

“Rosé sales increase more and more very year,” said Bethann Kendall, wine buyer at Vine and Table, Carmel, IN. “Last year was probably almost three times more than what I sold my first year here.  And right now, in May, I’ve already sold more than what I sold all of last year. It’s looking great. It’s going to be a huge increase probably 15-20 percent.”

Provence Rosé is made from a blend of basically six grapes. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tibouren, and Carignan can be found in Provence’s signature wine. But around the world you can find Rose made from just about any grape varietal imaginable. Oregon, home of some of the U.S.’s best Pinot Noir, makes great Rosé of Pinot Noir wines.
For years “pink wine” was soiled in reputation by white zinfandel but no more. “I think there is still a huge misconception on Rose but we taste it every Saturday,” Kendall said. “I’m always opening a bottle to try to sway people in the right direction. It’s not all sweet. I tell them if they don’t like Provence Rose they’re just not going to like it from any region at all.”
Howard’s Picks:
2011 Bieler Pere et Fils Rosé – Simply Unbelievable Provence for a miserly $11-$14. This dry delicious Rose is a blend of 50 percent Syrah, 30 percent Grenache, and 20 percent Cabernet. Bigger than some Rose’ but the cranberry color and wonderful taste of red raspberry makes it a real must buy. “I was excited to finally get it into Indiana,” Kendall said. “It sells out every vintage and it’s just true to the area with very beautiful strawberries and raspberries and a nice chalky texture which comes from the soils of Provence.
2011 Mas de Gourgonnier – Cherry and classic Rosé strawberry with hints of spice make this Rose a real treat for around $15. While a little lighter in style than the Bieler, it’s equally dry. This wine is 60 percent Grenache (my favorite) with a 40 percent blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Cabernet. This is a perfect hot weather wine and gorgeous pairing for lighter foods.
More choices: Chateau Revelette Provence Rose’ (Wine critics: 89-90 Points and the best I’ve tasted this year); Acrobat Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé, $15; and closer to home Butler Winery’s Rosé of Chambourcin, $14-$15.

POSTSCRIPT: Rose has been in the news a lot lately. Here are some links to additional stories about Rose.

From SFGate, San Francisco, another from the San Francisco Chronicle, from the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune,  

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Early Winner: Wonderful, Light Provence Dry Rose

22 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by in France

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For some time I’ve been trying to group my wine reviews but once in awhile a wine comes along that demands immediate attention and sharing.

I’ve started into my annual summer obsession with dry rose’ and, in particular, Provence Dry Rose.

Tonight I opened a beauty! Chateau 2010 Revelette Coteaux d’Aix en Provence has that incredible light salmon color that is the calling card for Southern France.

The genius in wine making from German winemaker Peter Fischer is using largely Cabernet and Syrah to create one of the lighter and most delicious Rose’ wines you’ll find under $20.

Despite the lighter feel on the palate the Revelette is a complex wine that is herbal, floral, and has a soft lingering finish.

I have some Rose’ stashed away with higher price points but this beauty is the early summer Rose’ champ!

Stephen Tanzer gave this wine 91 points. Wine Spectator rated it at 88. I just recommend but I’d be closer to Tanzer’s rating.

Chateau 2010 Revelette Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, 2010 vintage found at $13, 2011 vintage $17, Very Highly Recommended.

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Wow! A Really Great White/Rose’

26 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by in France

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If you read the headline, gentle reader, you’re probably asking how the bottle I’m saluting can be a white and a rose’?

The truth is that on the palate it had lots of characteristics of both. I picked this up several weeks ago and opened it Friday night when a friend was visiting. We poured it as a pre-dinner sip and finished it off later that evening.

Denis Jamain Reuilly Pinot Gris was simply sensational. It’s from France’s Loire valley and is a beautiful and very light colored salmon color.  The wine had a bit of orange, peach and very fresh citrus characteristics. At 12.5 percent alcohol, it was easy to drink.

There was certainly some mineral on the palate as well but not the higher acidity you might expect from a Pinot Gris. The wine is imported by Kermit Lynch. I find KL and Eric Solomon almost full-proof pics 90 percent of the time. The KL name is prominent on this 2010 Reuilly.

I bought this wine at Vine & Table in Carmel for $18.99. I found it online $2-$3 lower.

Denis Jamain 2010 Reuilly, $18.99, Very Highly Recommended

Send comment or questions to: hewitthoward@gmail.com