Let's start with The Chronicle Wine Selections: Dry Imported Rosé (SF Gate, May 16).
Lynne Char Bennett notes that most of the Rosé found in the U.S is imported and reminds us that Rosé is made with juice from red and black
grapes that has had minimal contact with the dark grape skins, which
contribute color and a small amount of tannins to the wine".
The SF Chronicle Panel tasted no less than 93 Rosé offerings this year.
The only one to get 3 Stars is the 2007 Loimer Kamptal Rosé Table Wine ($15) which she describes as "Stony
slate, strawberry-rhubarb compote and crushed blackberry aromas and
flavors. Lean, grippy, taut profile with lengthy finish. A standout for
the price. It's 100 percent Zweigelt, which is Austria's most widely
grown red grape - a 1922 cross between Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent"
(Importer: Vin Divino).
I have not tried any of them yet.
Susan Albarran of Moore Brothers had a Rosé drink down (June 9) with some friends.
Her only regret is that she did not serve the Sancerre selection (100% Pinot Noir) first.
The 2007 Corte Gardoni Rosé Bardolino Chiaretto intrigues me for its grape blend of corvina, rhondinella and molinera and its playful label (below).
As for Jancis Robinson in What is it about Provençal pink? she suggests that some of the best Rosé (and the worst as well) comes from Provence. Her grape of choice for a delicate pink would be anything but Cabernet Sauvignon. Her Australian pick, Charles Melton, Rose of Virginia 2007 Barossa Valley which she calls the prototype of this beefy barbecue style of pink" tastes different.
The 2008 Vintage is already available down under.
Related bits: Don't Blush! A Real Rosé from Chinon, Domaine Fabrice Gasnier and Rosé Number 2: Cotes du Ventoux « Cuvée Juliette » 2007
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