The best rose wines to try this spring
Rose wines are especially popular in New York. Credit: Dreamstime
Daylight Saving Time is imminent and the first day of spring arrives a week later. Accordingly, imbibers start looking at the wine racks with rose-colored glasses.
Rose wines are popular across the country, but especially in New York. The website NakedWines.com conducted an informal survey of 2015 wine sales. The result: New Yorkers purchased 55.2 percent more rose than the average customer. Connecticut was second, with 48.4 percent more.
You can get an early start with the floral, fruity 2015 Ponzi Pinot Noir Rose ($22), a delightful wine from the Oregon producer. The Willamette Valley rose uncorks as a bright, refreshing, balanced choice with fine acidity. It’s a match for cuisines as varied as Indian and Mexican, dishes as different from each other as pizza and salads.
From France, sample the dependable, full-bodied 2014 Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel AOC ($24). The wine is mostly Grenache, and all in with notes of raspberry. And the salmon hue is appealing, too. Try this one as an aperitif or with fried finfish, grilled shrimp, roast pork, even a hamburger or a hot dog.
The 2014 La Petite Perriere Rosé ($14) calls for a picnic, especially if fried chicken, pate, cured meats and quiche are in the hamper.
If you want your rose bubbly, consider the creamy, satisfying Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rose ($22), which sparkles with suggestions of strawberry. Mionetto Luxury Cuvée Sergio Rose ($19) is driven by red fruit. Both wines are pretty sippers and right with spicy fare, Chinese or Thai, French or Italian.
