Coming up on the show today, we celebrate International Rosé Day! Yes, as of a couple of years ago Rosé was awardedits very own day. In fact now there are three 3 International Rosé Days!!! It seems wine lovers around the world are increasingly seeing the world through rosé-tinted glasses. They are embracing #RoséAllDay with consumption skyrocketing in popularity.
Gone are the days of super sweet and sappy roses. Now when you think pink, think crisp, dry with a zippy acidity, well made, with a range of seductive aromas. Including the likes of red berries,peach, citrus, violet, melon, hibiscus and more depending on where it’s made.
We will be chatting with Vineyard Manager and Winemaker Shauna White, of Adamo Estate Winery, located in an emerging region. Adamo is are dedicated to organic and biodynamic farming. It produces a range of wines including of course the Adamo rosé. The winery is located in the Orangeville area of Ontario.
We experienced this stunning winery first hand with a walk about of the facilities, taste the beautiful rose wines and to meet Shauna White, winemaker who we named “Super Girl”. Look at those pipes!!! VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!
The history begins with Mario Adamo: visionary, risk-taker, pioneer.
Born in Calabria, Italy, and arriving in Canada when he was 18 years old, Mario followed the path to where his passion for food could shine. In 1972, Mario and his wife Nancy started a thriving catering business, and in 1985, they took the opportunity to move their business and life to a location that really felt like home. It was then that Hockley Valley Resort was born, and has now evolved into a 104 room, four-season resort and culinary destination.
As the years passed, Mario continued to consider the land in their region, comparing it to his home in Calabria. He remembered the vine-covered hills fondly, deciding that the hills of Hockley Valley would also be a sustainable option for grape-growing. Alhough the region was not known for winemaking, this did not deter Mario. He followed his instinct and planted some test vines with his late friend, Frank. And he waited.
Mario Adamo’s stunning original paintings populate the walls of the stately Adamo Estate Winery.
Adamo Estate Winery welcoming entrance room.
The vitality of those vines was confirmed when Jonas Newman of Hinterland Winery paid Mario an early spring visit, confirming that the vines were hearty enough for extended planting.
The Adamo Estate Winery Tasting Bar- The winery offers over 30 wines.
Mario’s sheer will and determination, combined with the family’s standard for the highest quality, is the foundation for Adamo Estate Winery. Along with their drive to succeed, the Adamos sought sage advice (from winemakers like Jonas Hinterland) and capable staff, like their Vineyard and Winery Manager, Shauna White, whose experience is surpassed only by her passion for excellence.
THE GREAT ROOM A beautiful bright space, casual seating – open kitchen concept, also offers a panoramic view of the vineyard. Open the nano-wall to the outdoor patio and feel like you’re sitting with the vines.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180613_122156_001_preview.jpeg9601280Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-06-14 10:46:542018-06-15 09:07:48Meet Shauna White winemaker of Adamo Estate Winery, the 1st winery of Ontario’s next emerging wine region.
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.
Grape Escape Wine Tours with Remy Pannier Rose and Rosé Day
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!
Remy Pannier Rosé d’anjou 2016 Loire, France
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.
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.
Mario Adamo
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!
Winemaker Shauna White
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.
Adamo Gamay Rose 2017 Kirby Vineyard $18.05
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.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20180613_123504_001-scaled.jpg19202560Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-06-08 13:01:012019-06-05 14:20:25National Rosé Day celebrates the delight and versatility of one of the oldest wines in the world dating back over 2600 years!
