Join the rosé Revolution 

National Rosé Day celebrates the delight and versatility of one of the oldest wines in the world dating back over 2600 years!

The Wine Ladies suggest you think pink for summer. Think pink indeed, and we’re not talking Giorgio Armani or Dolce & Gabbana. Although we are referring to what’s in fashion, it’s not what you’re wearing, but what’s in your wine glass. Rosés are enjoying a much  deserved revival, with recent years showing the world going wild for these ever popular pink wines.  Hence International Rosé Day now falls  on three separate occasions, in 2018  June 9th, 22nd, and August 14th.  No other wine or varietal can boast such a following!  And in case you haven’t heard ladies we are not exactly cornering this market as real men drink pink too, and a lot of it! Check out the hash tag  brosé sparked by men standing tall and shattering gender stereotypes by declaring that they are not afraid to drink pink.  Also increasingly occupying prime real estate both on wine lists and on store shelves, retailers and restaurateurs are responding to the popular demand of these blushing “bevies”.

Why is everything coming up rosés now you may ask?

The sweeter, cloying days of former rosés are gone, stylistically now being replaced with a plethora of wonderfully, crisp, fresh and dry wines being produced in many parts of the wine-growing world.  Plus improved wine making equipment and winemaking techniques have played a significant role, with the new rosés showing vibrant aromas, flavors and good structure. Pick your variety, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Zinfandel or Cabernet just to name a few, or select your rosé according to colour, from a pale salmon hue to deep neon pink. The possibilities are endless.

Rosés are the perfect wine for summer, easily approachable and lighter bodied, served chilled they make a delectable accompaniment to a variety of warm weather fare. They’re like chameleons, able to adapt to partnering well with almost any kind of dish, from light snacks to more serious fare rosés can do it all. Fire up the barbeque and grill away, whether it be a choice cut steak, seafood or grilled veggies, grab a pink drink.

Of course many a celebrity have jumped on the rosé bandwagon too, most recently son of rock star Bon Jovi with his Diving into Hampton Water, Barrymore of Drew Barrymore and of course Brad Pitt and Angelina’s Miraval, although now divested. All this plus the aggressive marketing of these wines abroad, primarily by France, it’s no wonder rosé rules.

We’d like to share with you a sampling of a few rosé we’ve recently enjoyed two of which are made in France, the birthplace of rosé some 2600 years ago and a third coming from a local winery situated in one of Ontario’s newest emerging wine regions.

Our first rose, produced by Remy Pannier hails from the Loire Valley, France.  

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the Export Director Julien Cothenet, of this historical house founded back in 1855. Remy Pannier we learn was founded by Francois Remy and has been identified with premium quality Loire Valley wines for over 150 years.

As the most recognized name in the Loire Valley, Remy Pannier over the years has established close and lasting relationships with over 800 growers, providing direction and knowledge on the latest viticultural practices ensuring the finest quality grapes for their wines. When asked how Julien would specifically characterise the rosés of the Loire Valley and specifically the Remy Pannier Rosé d’anjou this is what he had to say “The Loire Valley is the second largest region for the production of rosé wines, just after the Cotes de Provence, however our Loire Valley Rosé d’anjou Appellation is among the fruitiest rosé you can find in France, with a lovely hint of softness which makes it so easy to drink” To his pairings of delight, grilled shrimps, spicy pork sandwich or vegetable quiche. Delish!

Enjoy a glass of Rose d’anjou, definitely a crowd pleaser as one of the best-selling rosés in  Ontario. This rosé is light bodied, crisp and fresh, light coral in colour, with an enticing aroma of strawberry, red cherries and citrus. It is off dry, elegant and will match well with a variety of salads, appetizers and grilled seafood! Made with Cabernet Franc.

Ventoux Appellation Ventoux Controllé 2017 Ogier    $13.95

For our second perspective on rosés made in France we turn our attention to the Rhone Valley and more specifically the appellation of Ventoux. Ventoux vineyards actually developed and expanded during the Avignon papacy which was 1309 -1376 and over the centuries were drunk at the table of the kings of France. Our producer Ogier founded in 1859 is situated in the southern Rhone in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which literally translates to “new castle of the Pope”.  Ventoux is enjoying a positive affect of climate change and now due to the warmer climes are producing wines of deeper colour and body.  Ogier’s Ventoux rosé comes from the best vineyards of the appellation in the South East of the Mont Ventoux mountains.

In a recent interview with Associate Winemaker and Brand Ambassador Raphael Pommier we learned that the beautiful acidity his Ventoux wines enjoy along with the full body is due to the positioning of the vineyards. When asked what might be Raphael’s desired culinary partner to enjoy with his Ventoux, grilled veggies doused with olive oil, zucchini, tomatoes and lamb with a healthy rub of fresh Provencal herbs was among his top picks, and ours!

Fresh and crisp, this rosé is full bodied, with aromas of fresh berries, hints of pink grapefruit and slight nuances of violet, dry on the palate with red berry flavours and smooth finish.Made with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault

Onto our final leg celebrating Raphael Pommier, or should we say “Rosé days… ahh, the power of pink, our local representative is Adamo Estate Winery.

If one is familiar with the remarkable Hockley Valley Resort, just forty-five minutes north of Toronto located in the stunning rolling hills of Hockley Valley, you may know of the Adamo Estate Winery, founded and owned by the same remarkable person Mario Adamo and family.

Founded just seven years ago, Adamo Estate Winery was a dream come true for founders Mario Adamo, originally from Calabria Italy and his wife Nancy.

What started on a lot with a few vines planted and a dilapidated barn, we fast-forward to a stunning destination, a state of the art winery, glorious grounds and vineyards, a restaurant and more. A beautiful bonus, as an art lover was the multitude of incredible paintings permeating the space, all created by Mario himself, the founder who happens to be a breath taking painter!

We had the opportunity to chat with winemaker Shauna White.

Beautiful and so talented who has worked her magic in many wine growing regions around the world. Shauna was drawn to Adamo, being small, affording her the opportunity to work the full gamut, from the vineyards to the winemaking with a passion to commit to sustainability. With many Adamo wines gaining world wide recognition, and winning  a good number of the most prestigious awards, Shauna is in a good place, and so evidently are the vineyards. 

In a moment of serenity we take in the beautiful scenery, the vineyards and the backdrop of the Hawkley Valley Hills, Shauna and ourselves. We chat and sample Adamo’s Gamay Rose 2017 Kirby Vineyard.  Shauna tells us the wine was made in the saignee method, the crushed grapes skin soak for 6 hours, the juice then cool settles in tank and fermentation begins.

 The wine is  light salmon in color, because of brief skin soak, it is dry, crisp  and clean with “lots of grapefruit this year” Shauna tells us and “is drinking more like a white wine”. Hints of aged oak can be detected,  aromatic and with a refreshing finish. 

Happy Rosé Day

Coming up on the next The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast. International Rosé Day #RoséAllDay. June 22nd, 2018